Press release

Project to improve the sanitation facilities at Oréfondé Primary School No. 1 and Secondary School

Main objective

Improving the quality of life for school-age children, particularly girls.

Description

In order to address a hygiene issue in schools, this project was designed in two phases.

The first phase involved the refurbishment of the toilet blocks and the installation of a water supply to make them fully functional.

In the second phase, awareness-raising activities were carried out among the local population in collaboration with the Oréfondé health centre and the Thilogne health district.

A community awareness-raising activity on basic hygiene will help to educate the residents of Oréfondé village, whilst workshops specifically targeted pupils at Primary School 1 and the secondary school. The final activities focused on young girls and their mothers through the distribution of washable sanitary pad kits, which also provided an opportunity to raise awareness about menstrual hygiene, a subject that remains highly taboo. These kits, manufactured by a women-led Senegalese enterprise, and their distribution represent a further step towards reducing absenteeism among young girls at school during their periods.

Period

2025-2026

Region of intervention

Oréfondé Commune, Matam Region, Senegal

Implementing partner

JALAN Association, Thilogne Health District

Financial partner

Roncalli International Foundation