Clean Water, Restored Dignity: Hana’s Story from Shochora Primary School

For eight years, Shochora Primary School in southern Ethiopia had no access to safe water. The school’s original water system, installed in 2011 through the Safety Net Program, was abandoned due to conflicts with the surrounding community. What remained was a daily struggle for students, especially girls.

Hana Hailu, a 17-year-old student in Grade 8, was one of more than one thousand students affected. With no water available at school, students had to bring water from home, sometimes collecting it from a nearby river. On Fridays, all students were required to collect contaminated water from the river to clean their classrooms. There were no handwashing stations, and the latrines could not be cleaned regularly. Students used solid materials instead of toilet paper. Hygiene practices, like washing hands after using the toilet, were nearly impossible.

Hana recalls how difficult it was to maintain hygiene during menstruation. Without proper facilities, attending school came with daily anxiety and discomfort. The lack of water contributed to unsanitary conditions and increased the risk of waterborne diseases and neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Students also lost valuable class time fetching water, affecting both their health and academic performance.

With the support of NALA’s WASH on Wheels project under the ARISE Project, the school’s water system was reconnected to the public water line, located approximately two kilometers away. Handwashing faucets were installed at a 45-meter water point and near the school’s toilets. The improvements were simple but transformative.

Now, Hana can wash her hands and face after using the toilet. The latrines are cleaned regularly, and the environment is safe and hygienic. The restored water system has improved not only sanitation but also student health. The risk of NTDs and diarrheal disease has significantly decreased. Hana no longer has to worry about the lack of water or the challenges of managing her hygiene during menstruation.

Shochora Primary School is no longer a place of hardship, but one where students can focus on learning, health, and hope for the future.