A major sanitation challenge in schools

In Nouadhibou, Mauritania's second city, the lack of access to basic sanitation facilities is a real challenge for schools. Many secondary schools suffered from a serious sanitation shortfall, some with no facilities at all for hundreds of pupils.

This had direct consequences for pupils' health, as they were forced to relieve themselves in the open around the schools, increasing the risk of soil contamination.

Girls are particularly affected by this lack of facilities, especially during menstruation. Many prefer to hold on all day or to go home, which affects their wellbeing and undermines their attendance.

A concrete response led by HAMAP-Humanitaire and its partners

To meet this urgent need, HAMAP-Humanitaire, in partnership with the local NGO RONG, launched a project in late 2023 to build and refurbish sanitation blocks in several secondary schools in Nouadhibou.

The project was made possible by the financial support of several partners, including:

  • AEAP
  • Val-de-Marne
  • CDC Developpement
  • SAUR
  • Bethune-Bruay

Concrete results in the field

In all, the project delivered:

  • The refurbishment of more than 50 sanitation facilities
  • The construction of 40 new sanitation blocks

Accompanying measures

  • Hygiene awareness sessions
  • Management committees set up in the schools
  • Regular monitoring by the local NGO RONG

These measures are designed to make the facilities last and to encourage their proper use.

Positive impacts already visible

Six months after the works were completed, the effects of the project can be seen on the ground.

Better conditions at school

  • Improved hygiene in the schools
  • Easier access to toilets for pupils
  • Fewer risky practices linked to the lack of facilities

Encouraging feedback

  • Teachers and pupils report a clear improvement in sanitary conditions
  • Several girls say they no longer need to leave school during the day

A lever for health and education

By fostering a healthy school environment, this project contributes directly to:

  • improving pupils' health
  • reducing health risks
  • keeping pupils in school
  • promoting girls' schooling

The involvement of the management committees and the monitoring carried out on the ground show how important an integrated approach is in securing lasting results and improving learning conditions.