Wash facilities rehabilitated in Irbid Public schools

Action Against Hunger’s WaSH team has been handing over newly rehabilitated Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) facilities in 10 public schools in Taybeh, Bani Kinanah, and Mazar Districts in Irbid Governorate over the past two weeks.

The WaSH team has been painting and installing new toilet seats, sinks, tiles, pathways for students with disabilities, water coolers, water tap stands, lights, water tanks, water-saving tool gadgets, and water and waste water networks.

“Ten public schools in three different villages in the Irbid governorate, Mazar, Taybeh, and Bani Kenanah, have improved water and sanitation infrastructures. Overall, nearly 4,000 Syrian and Jordanian students are now benefiting from these improved infrastructures,” said Hazem Hayajneh, the WaSH Programme Manager in Irbid.

This rehabilitation activity is part of the Water Access and Development (WAAD) Consortium with ACTED and INTERSOS, which is funded by the European Union’s Regional Trust Fund in response to the Syrian Crisis, the European Union MADAD Fund.

The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Jordan, H.E Maria Hadjitheodosiou, welcomed the latest hand-over as part of the EU’s support to Jordan in developing its water sector, particularly in schools. “We believe it is important to continue investing in projects to improve water, sanitation, and sanitation infrastructure in public institutions, especially in schools. Accessing clean water for all contributes to a disease-free learning environment and leads to sustainable water management.”

The consortium aims to build the resilience of refugees and host communities through a participatory approach that increases access to effective water and sanitation services and improves health outcomes through improved hygienic environments and practices. According to Giuseppe A. Campisi, the WAAD Consortium Coordinator “by working in schools, WAAD’s aim is to stimulate the citizens of tomorrow to contribute to managing the country’s water resources, sustaining the Jordanian Government and the International Community’s efforts to respond to the refugee crisis, and provide all the people living in the country with adequate and sustainable services”.

As part of the project, Action Against Hunger improved access to water and sanitation in public institutions, contributing to a more hygienic and healthier environment. Action Against Hunger also provided support for WaSH communities and focal point networks for community mobilisation and hygiene promotion activities.