UNICEF – Development of WASH facilities and services in childfriendly schools in Abkhazia, Georgia


The sanitation service level of Abkhazian schools ranks among the lowest of any region globally. This project contributes to the well-being of schoolchildren in Abkhazia by improving the sanitary and hygiene conditions in over a third of all Abkhazian schools.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Georgia
Water
Health
Water sanitation
Health education
01.01.2022 - 31.03.2025
CHF  2’200’000
Background Water, sanitation and hygience (WASH) facilities in schools suffered severe damage during the war in Abkhazia in 1992-93 and have been poorly maintained ever since. Children often avoid using school WASH services due to lack of privacy, ruined facilities and difficulties in accessing toilets, thus preventing hygienic practices required to protect children from illness and which are especially important considering the current COVID-19 pandemic. Most facilities do not offer access for children with disabilities and none of the schools are equipped with bins for menstrual hygiene management. Finally, WASH is not part of the school syllabus resulting in low awareness on water and waste management.
Objectives The well-being of schoolchildren in Abkhazia is increased due to improved sanitary and hygiene conditions in child-friendly schools.
Target groups The target group consists of 10,000 children (5,040 girls and 4,960 boys) ages 5 to 17, their families and teachers, with a representation of all districts, Sukhumi city and major ethnic groups including the Abkhaz, Georgian and Armenian populations.
Medium-term outcomes
  1. Local contractors apply WASH standards when constructing and rehabilitating schools
  2. Sustainable management of WASH facilities in schools is strengthened
  3. Schoolchildren, school management and teachers understand the importance of rational use of water, of hygiene and sanitation and apply relevant daily good practices
  4. Child-friendly school environment is enhanced by improving capacities of teachers and improving safety and protective environment of schools
Results

Expected results:  

60 schools are equipped with accessible and female-friendly bathrooms, 50 school water connections are recommissioned and upgraded and 10 local contractors are certified according to WASH international standards.

WASH platforms are established and functional and WASH labels are adopted and functional.

Personal hygiene, healthy lifestyle key components and responsible use of WASH facilities is established among school management, teachers and schoolchildren in a context of COVID-19 pandemic and school management, teachers and children trained on rational use of water in context of climate change.

Teachers and school management are trained in student-centred instruction methodologies and content and language integrated learning and teachers, school management, parents and community members are trained and/or reached with key messages on safety and creating protective environments at school.


Results from previous phases:  

WASH facilities were improved in 24 schools in Abkhazia through a previous partnership between SDC, UNICEF and UNHCR in 2021.

Lessons learned from this project included the continued need for external technical support, the importance of bringing together all involved stakeholders to prioritize budget allocation for WASH in schools and the necessity to continue operation and maintenance works to ensure sustainable results.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Project partners Contract partner
United Nations Organization (UNO)
  • United Nations Children’s Fund


Coordination with other projects and actors The project pursues nexus synergies with existing peace promotion activities and development interventions in Abkhazia by the Peace and Human Rights Division.
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    2’200’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    1’925’182 Total project since first phase Budget inclusive project partner CHF   2’200’000
Project phases Phase 1 01.01.2022 - 31.03.2025   (Current phase)