In every village in Tanzania, a primary school education has become a basic right. Seven years of advancement in literacy, mathematics and science is no longer a privilege, but an opportunity afforded to all. It is important now to utilize these precious years of formal education to the students’ maximum benefit.

At one primary school in Tanzania, 474 students are supposed to attend school each day. However, this number fluctuates greatly due to two dominant factors: failing health and tardiness. These issues have proven time and again to have a direct correlation to the lacking quantity and sanitation of the school’s bathroom facilities. Currently, students are forced to wait in long lines outside of the bathroom, which creates a constant disruption in the classroom and a less-focused learning environment. Furthermore, students wander out into the forest to relieve themselves, or use sections of the bathroom area with no proper hole. This leads to recurring water and health-related concerns, of which diarrhea ranks the most common, and the most devastating. Therefore, this project aims to build 18 sanitary toilets. It has been determined that 18 new pit latrines, designed with improved health regulations, including a deeper and more removed waste tank, and the addition of a manual water flushing technique will provide immediate and sustainable relief.

The community is aware of this pressing need and is prepared to contribute to the cost of labor and materials. The school board has held a series of meetings to gauge community interest, and has pledged to contribute most raw materials including wood, rocks, gravel and the labor of five assistant carpenters

Note: This summary was provided by a Peace Corps Volunteer and the community administering this project.