The Ministry of Education has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SPLASH International Zambia aimed at improving water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services in selected schools across the country.
The partnership is expected to benefit more than 700,000 learners in Lusaka, the Copperbelt and Eastern Province through the rehabilitation and construction of modern water and sanitation facilities.
Speaking during the signing ceremony in Lusaka yesterday, SPLASH International Founder and President Eric Stowe described Zambia as one of the most progressive governments his organisation has partnered with globally.
“We have worked all over the world and in this current phase of our work, we have tried to isolate which country has the most progressive, sophisticated, responsive and responsible government that we want to partner with, and Zambia is at the top of the list,” Mr Stowe said.
Mr Stowe noted that SPLASH has served over 1.5 million children across eight countries and considers schools central to national transformation.
“Schools are the springboard to transformative change. As goes education, so goes the country,” he said.
He added that the organisation’s priority is to ensure access to clean drinking water, handwashing facilities with soap, dignified sanitation infrastructure and menstrual health services to support girls and improve school attendance.
And Ministry of Education Permanent Secretary Kelvin Mambwe said the MoU represents more than a formal agreement, describing it as a reaffirmation of Government’s commitment to quality education.
“This event represents far more than the formalisation of an MoU. It signifies a shared commitment, a strengthened partnership and a collective responsibility to safeguard the wellbeing and future of Zambia’s children,” Dr. Mambwe said.
Dr. Mambwe stated that Government remains committed to ensuring that learners study in safe, healthy and dignified environments.
“His Excellency, President Hakainde Hichilema, has consistently emphasized that no child should attend school without access to clean water and safe sanitation facilities,” he said.
He explained that Government has prioritised the improvement of WASH infrastructure in schools through the transformation of pit latrines into modern facilities and the expansion of reliable water sources through borehole construction.
“To be precise, over 700,000 learners will benefit at the end of this project,” Dr. Mambwe disclosed.
The Permanent Secretary further stressed the importance of sustainability and community ownership.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we must ensure sustainability through strong management systems and community participation. These facilities must be maintained for the benefit of present and future generations,” he said.
The partnership is expected to significantly improve learning conditions, protect learner health and enhance school attendance, particularly among girls.
