Development of WASH facilities and services in child-friendly schools in Abkhazia, Georgia

Switzerland supports conflict transformation in Georgia, including the breakaway region of Abkhazia, through the efforts of the Peace and Human Rights Division (PHRD) and SDC humanitarian assistance. This project improves water and sanitation (WASH) facilities in Abkhazia's public schools.

Many schools in Abkhazia still lack adequate WASH facilities due to the armed conflict in the 1990s, followed by long-term under investment and neglect. In rural areas, access to clean water remains limited. The mentioned challenges pose significant health risks to children. The previous phase improved WASH facilities in nearly half of the 152 public schools, benefiting up to 13’400 children. The proposed phase will strengthen WASH maintenance systems, continue to promote hygiene education, and upgrade infrastructure in fortythree of the remaining schools. Additionally, the project will pilot affordable sewage water and fecal sludge treatment systems in five schools.

Direct beneficiaries: 6’100 schoolchildren aged 5 to 17, with a representation of all districts (including Sukhumi city) and major ethnic groups including the Abkhaz, Georgian and Armenian populations. Teachers at the targeted schools.

The target population indirectly benefiting from the project include: the families of the targeted schoolchildren and the communities where targeted schools, school children and teachers are located.

Outcome 1: WASH facilities in schools are rehabilitated with respect to JMP (Joint Monitoring Programme) WHO/UNICEF standards.

Outcome 2: Sustainable management of WASH facilities in schools is strengthened.

Outcome 3: Schoolchildren, school management and teachers understand the importance of proper hygiene and sanitation, the importance of environment friendly behavior in context of climate change, and apply relevant daily good practices.

Outcome 4: Blackwater effluent is properly treated on site before being discharged and fecal sludge is handled properly and neutralized before being disposed, in accordance with WHO/UNICEF standards.

Outcome 5: Community-based approaches to the provision of quality services for children are successfully maintained and expanded.

Expected results:  

• 43 additional schools have: (i) recommissioned and upgraded water connections; (ii) accessible and female-friendly bathrooms.
• WASH facilities management is effective and sustainable in 39 schools.
• Personal hygiene, healthy lifestyle key components and responsible use of WASH facilities is established among targeted schools.
• School personnel and children are trained on the importance of environment friendly behavior in context of climate change.
• Blackwater effluent is properly treated and fecal sludge is neutralized in 5 pilot schools.
• Informal community-based child protection mechanisms are functional in 12 communities.

Results from previous phases:  

• 67 schools have: (i) recommissioned and upgraded water connections; (ii) accessible and femalefriendly bathrooms; (iii) a WASH facility Operation and Maintenance plan, (iv) adopted WASH labels.
• 10 local construction contractors trained and certified.
• 8 WASH platforms established and functional at the district level.
• Hygiene education integrated into 67 schools’ syllabus.
• Awareness campaigns on climate resilience and environmental sustainability conducted in 67 schools.