Edwina Public Primary School located in Rakai Town Council, Rakai District has been without a pit latrine since March 2012 after the only available pit latrine that was used by children and teachers became full and sunk in. The lack of a pit latrine quickly became a very big problem; pupils started defecating in nearby bushes and households.
In
2011, RACA had established a Child Rights Club (CRC) under the IDF funded Rakai
Community Based Rights Project at Edwina Public Primary School to empower
children with knowledge and skills to help them address violations to their
rights. Members of this club became very worried. They and other pupils at the
school were finding it very difficult to concentrate in class due to the stench
They also realized the danger this posed to them and other pupils, as well as
the nearby community; a possible cholera outbreak.
During
one of their weekly meetings, it was agreed that they needed to take action.
They arranged a meeting with the school authorities and voiced their concern
over the matter. The school in return organized a meeting with the parents to
discuss the challenge. By the end of the meeting parents resolved to contribute
towards the construction of a new pit latrine. Construction work was started in
2014.
A new pit latrine under construction at
Edwina P.S
With
the establishment of the CRC in Edwina Public Primary School, members of the
club have proven to be instrumental in fostering positive change at the school
and creating a friendly school environment free from corporal
punishments.
