Community WASH Clubs

Description

Community WASH Clubs are a powerful approach to improving water, sanitation, and hygiene practices through collective learning and action. They bring community members together to build knowledge, shift behaviours, and take ownership of improving health and living conditions. By the end of a WASH club cycle, participants not only understand key WASH concepts, but are empowered to apply them in theirdaily lives and support others within and beyond their own community in doing the same.

What this program offers

This approach offers a structured, participatory learning process where community members meet regularly to explore key WASH topics and apply them in their households and communities. Participants learn about disease transmission, safe water practices, sanitation, hygiene behaviours, and environmental health, using practical and locally relevant examples.

The training emphasizes behaviour change by helping participants understand not only what practices are important, but why they matter and how to adopt them consistently. Through facilitated discussions, group activities, and peer learning, participants build confidence and motivation to improve their own practices.

Community WASH Clubs also focus on collective action. Members work together to identify challenges, prioritise solutions, and support one another in making improvements such as adopting safe hygiene practices, improving sanitation, and maintaining clean environments. The process strengthens social cohesion and accountability, encouraging sustained change beyond individual households.

In addition, participants learn how to monitor progress, reinforce positive behaviours, and engage others in the community. This creates a ripple effect where knowledge spreads and community-wide improvements in health and WASH practices are achieved.

Who does this apply to

This approach has been designed for organisations and individuals interested in promoting behaviour change and strengthening community engagement in WASH programs. It is particularly suitable for NGOs, government agencies, and development practitioners working in water, sanitation, hygiene, or public health.

It is also highly relevant for community health promoters, facilitators, and outreach workers who are responsible for engaging households and supporting behaviour change. In addition, it benefits community leaders, volunteers, and local groups who want to take an active role in improving health and living conditions within their communities.

This approach is especially valuable for those seeking sustainable, community-driven solutions that go beyond infrastructure and focus on long-term behaviour change and local ownership.

Description

WASH in Schools is a structured approach to improving water, sanitation, and hygiene practices within the school environment while influencing behaviour at the household and community level. By engaging students, teachers, and school leadership, this service creates a platform for sustained learning, behaviour change, and collective action. By the end of a WASH in Schools cycle, schools are equipped not only with knowledge and practical skills, but also with systems and leadership structures that support long-term improvements in health, hygiene, and the school environment.

What this program offers

This service offers a participatory and school-based learning approach that mirrors the principles of community WASH clubs, adapted for the school setting. Students and teachers engage in regular sessions that explore key WASH topics such as disease transmission, safe water practices, sanitation, hygiene behaviours, and environmental cleanliness.

The service emphasizes behaviour change through interactive learning, peer-to-peer engagement, and practical application within the school. Students are supported to understand not only what practices are important, but why they matter and how to apply them consistently in their daily lives. Activities are designed to be engaging and age-appropriate, helping to build ownership and responsibility among students.

WASH in Schools also promotes collective action. School WASH clubs or committees are established to lead initiatives such as improving sanitation facilities, maintaining clean environments, promoting handwashing, and encouraging safe water practices. These groups help reinforce positive behaviours and create accountability within the school community.

In addition, the service strengthens the link between schools and the wider community. Students act as change agents, sharing knowledge and practices with their families and communities, creating a ripple effect that extends beyond the school. Teachers and school leaders are supported to sustain activities, monitor progress, and integrate WASH into ongoing school routines.

Who does this apply to

This service has been designed for schools, education institutions, and organisations working to improve health and learning environments through WASH. It is suitable for NGOs, government agencies, and education partners implementing school-based health and hygiene programs.

It is particularly relevant for teachers, school administrators, and community stakeholders who are responsible for student wellbeing and school management. It is also beneficial for organisations seeking to promote behaviour change through youth engagement and to strengthen connections between schools and communities for long-term, sustainable impact.