LATRINE CONSTRUCTION CHRONICLES: KALONGA SCHOOL’S JOUNEY TO BETTER SANITATION

Can you imagine a life where clean, functioning latrines are but a distant dream, and every trip to the restroom is fraught with uncertainty and discomfort? That was the everyday reality for about 150 learners at Kalonga Secondary School, where crumbling pit latrines posed not just a hygiene issue, but a barrier to dignity and opportunity. For girls, the situation was even more dire, as the absence of private, secure changing rooms during menstruation forced many to miss out on valuable days of education.

Recognizing the urgent need for change, Freshwater Project International (FPI), in collaboration with partners at H20 for Life, stepped in to address the sanitation crisis. Their mission: to construct two new VIP latrines that would not only provide essential facilities but also restore dignity and ensure a conducive learning environment for every student.

Under the skilled supervision of FPI, the construction work was entrusted to King Mulima Construction. Despite facing challenges and racing against time before the rainy season, the team worked tirelessly to bring the project to fruition. As the final bricks were laid and the two latrines stood proudly, the impact was palpable. The stakeholders, from school committee members to Senior Chief Kalonga, expressed their joy and gratitude. "The school was on the verge of being closed by the local authorities due to lack of latrines," shared the chief, "but due to the timely intervention by FPI, the school will be saved from this humiliation." The headteacher echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the newfound safety and health benefits for learners.

With the burden of inadequate facilities lifted, students could focus on their studies without the constant worry of sanitation issues. With these new facilities, even the girls, previously hindered by the lack of proper changing rooms, could continue their education without interruption.