Sasol In Society Report - Book - Page 126
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Year in Review: Mozambique
Feature
Story
Transforming hygiene and
sanitation at Chimedge
Primary School
Abstract: This case study highlights the
significant impact of Sasol’s support in improving
hygiene and sanitation at the Chimedge Primary
School. Prior to the construction of new facilities,
the school faced challenges with inadequate and
unsafe bathroom conditions. With the help of
Sasol, the school now boasts proper sanitation
facilities and a reliable water supply, leading to
improved health and well-being for the students.
Introduction: Chimedge Primary School,
accommodating 135 students from grades one
to six, underwent a transformative change in its
sanitation and water supply systems. Before these
improvements, the school faced challenges with
outdated and inadequate bathroom facilities,
posing risks to the health and safety of the
children.
New Sanitation Facilities: In 2022, with the
support of Sasol through SNV, the school received
new sanitation facilities. These modern restrooms
offered a safe and clean environment for
the students, a significant upgrade from the
previously precarious bathroom structures.
Providing Clean Water: In addition to the
sanitation facilities, Sasol also constructed a
water supply system to provide clean water not
only to the school but also to the surrounding
community. For many of the children, this was
their first experience with such amenities. The
introduction of these facilities brought immense
joy to the students.
Promoting Proper Hygiene Education: The
school’s teachers played a vital role in educating
and demonstrating proper bathroom usage to the
students. The teachers ensured that the students
understood how to use the new facilities and
126 SASOL IN SOCIETY 2023
actively encouraged their use. Many students,
eager to experience the improved conditions,
requested permission to use the restrooms, even
if they didn’t have an urgent need.
Relief for Teachers and Community: The
improved sanitation facilities were a relief for both
the teachers and the community. Previously, the
school had to mobilise the community annually to
construct makeshift and unsanitary bathrooms
using local materials, a practice that sometimes
involved students in the labor. The introduction of
proper facilities eased this burden significantly.
Student-Led Maintenance: The school does
not have custodians to clean the restrooms, so
the teachers organised groups of students to
maintain cleanliness. Students taking morning
classes clean the facilities before they leave, while
those in the afternoon classes find the restrooms
clean and reciprocate the cleaning before they
leave in the late afternoon.
Gratitude to Sasol: Rosa Mabue Antonio
Mafuhure, the Deputy Director of Chimedge
Primary School, expressed her heartfelt gratitude
to Sasol for financing the construction of the new
sanitation facilities. She emphasised the school’s
commitment to maintaining the cleanliness and
functionality of these facilities at all times.
Conclusion: Sasol’s support in enhancing
sanitation and water supply at Chimedge Primary
School has not only improved the students’
quality of life but has also alleviated substantial
challenges for the school and the surrounding
community. This case study underscores the
critical role of investing in infrastructure and
education to promote hygiene and well-being
among young learners. Sasol’s contribution has
left a lasting, positive impact on
the school and its students, fostering a healthier
and safer learning environment not only for
Chimedge Primary School but also for seven other
schools in the area.
