22% of Schools under the Ministry of Education Lack Water and Sanitation
Making Education Easier for Students in Indonesia – Yayasan Air Minum Bersih’s Mission to Provide Clean Water and Sanitation Facilities for Schools
Written by Rika Andini
Making Education Easier for Students in Indonesia – Yayasan Air Minum Bersih’s Mission to Provide Clean Water and Sanitation Facilities for Schools
Written by Rika Andini
How can we let our children study in schools without basic necessities like clean water and proper sanitation? It is a fundamental right that every child deserves, and we must ensure that it is made available to all students. The fact that 22% of schools under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (MoECRT) in Indonesia lack access to clean water and sanitation facilities is unacceptable.
are far-reaching. Not only do students suffer from the risks of hygiene-related illnesses, but teachers and the entire community are also affected. Absenteeism due to preventable illnesses hinders learning opportunities and decreases productivity, undermining the educational progress of our children.
Sanitation facilities, including toilets and handwashing stations, are crucial for maintaining hygiene and preserving students’ dignity. These facilities provide a safe and private space for students to attend to their physiological needs, ensuring their comfort and promoting good hygiene practices. Additionally, well-maintained sanitation facilities contribute to the prevention of waterborne diseases and overall improvement of the health of students.
We cannot let this issue go overstated any longer. We need to take action to improve the situation and ensure that every school in Indonesia has access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities. It’s time for the government and other organizations to come together and prioritize this issue.
but we cannot compromise on the health and well-being of our children. It is essential that we unite, raise awareness, and demand that every child in Indonesia has access to the basic necessities they deserve. Clean water and proper sanitation facilities are not luxuries; they are fundamental rights that must be guaranteed to ensure a promising and equitable future for all.
Water and sanitation facilities are essential for good health and hygiene, but the lack of them in schools is a reality that many students around the world often face. Even though it may appear to be a trivial issue, inadequate access to clean water and proper sanitation can have serious consequences for students’ well-being, academic performance, and attendance.
To begin with, the lack of clean drinking water poses a serious threat to the health and well-being of students. Without regular access to clean water, students may suffer from dehydration, which can lead to fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating. This can negatively impact their performance in the classroom, as well as their overall health and well-being. It is imperative that schools have a reliable source of clean drinking water to ensure that students are properly hydrated and able to focus on their studies.
Furthermore, inadequate toilet facilities can severely affect student's hygiene and comfort. In many cases, students are hesitant to use poorly maintained or overcrowded facilities, which can lead to embarrassing situations. If suitable toilet facilities aren't provided, students may be forced to relieve themselves in open areas, causing adverse health implications. Moreover, poor sanitation facilities can increase the risk of illness and disease. Hence, schools must provide clean and well-maintained facilities to make students comfortable and able to focus on their studies.
The lack of access to clean water and poor sanitation facilities also raises the risk of waterborne diseases. These diseases can have serious consequences for attendance and academic performance. Students may need to skip school if they fall sick, which can cause academic setbacks. This can also create a cycle of poor attendance and academic performance, which can be challenging to correct. Therefore, schools must take measures to ensure that students have access to clean water and adequate sanitation facilities to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases.
Perhaps one of the most concerning aspects of the lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities is the psychological and social impact on students. The lack of such facilities can cause them to feel undervalued and unworthy, leading to depression or anxiety. Accordingly, it is essential that students are provided with clean water and sanitation facilities to develop holistically.
Improved health and hygiene: Water and sanitation facilities are essential for maintaining good health and hygiene practices in schools. With access to clean water and proper sanitation facilities, students and teachers can prevent the spread of diseases and maintain good personal hygiene.
Schools that prioritize these facilities create a healthier environment for learning and growth. It is crucial for schools to provide clean drinking water, handwashing stations, and functional toilets as part of their infrastructure. This not only promotes better health but also instills good hygiene practices among students, which they can carry with them throughout their lives.
Enhancing attendance and educational outcomes: The availability of water and sanitation facilities in schools has a significant impact on student attendance, engagement, and academic performance. When these facilities are not readily available, students may miss school due to illnesses caused by poor hygiene practices. They may also miss out on the learning experience, leading to poor academic performance.
However, when water and sanitation facilities are available, students can attend school regularly, engage in learning activities, and perform better academically. These facilities also make school a more comfortable place for students to learn and thrive.
Creating a conducive learning environment: Proper water and sanitation facilities contribute to a safe, comfortable, and conducive learning environment. When students have access to clean water and functional sanitation facilities, they can focus on their studies without worrying about their health or hygiene.
This creates an environment where students can learn effectively and develop their full potential. Moreover, schools that prioritize water and sanitation facilities demonstrate their commitment to the well-being of their students. This fosters a sense of community where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported.
Cost-effective investment: Providing access to clean water and sanitation facilities in schools is a cost-effective investment that contributes to creating a healthy, educated, and productive society. Studies have shown that investment in clean water and sanitation facilities has significant economic returns in terms of increased productivity and reduced healthcare costs.[1]
Furthermore, providing water and sanitation access in schools can contribute to reducing poverty and promoting economic growth. Thus, investing in water and sanitation facilities in schools should be a top priority for governments and development organizations worldwide.
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