NGO hands over 54 toilets to schools

Centre for Community Organisation and Development has handed 54 toilets to Chimwaza and Khaya primary schools in Mulanje. 

Speaking during the handover at Chimwaza Primary School on Friday, the organisation’s executive director Zilire Luka said the two schools were selected because of their sanitation need.

“For instance, learners at Chimwaza Primary School were sharing two non-functional toilets which were posing a danger to them,” he said. 

Each of the two schools received 13 toilets with two rooms for boys, 12 toilets with one room designed as a menstrual hygiene management room for girls and two toilets with two rooms for teachers.

Each toilet block also has a hand-washing component.

In his remarks, Chimwaza Primary School head teacher Eddie Mazambani said lack of toilets was the cause for poor sanitation and absenteeism among girls.

“The toilets were dilapidated such that most learners preferred to help themselves in nearby bushes. This was difficult for girls who opted to stay at home, especially during menstruation,” he said.

Mulanje District director of education, youth and sports Enock Chumachao said the two schools will take care of the structures.

“We will also ensure that the two institutions receive monthly grants to enable them procure cleaning materials,” he said.

The organisation constructed the toilets with funding from Deswos, a Germany-based housing association and the Germany Ministry of Development Cooperation.

The toilets will cater for over 7 200 students and 108 teachers.