School toilets in rural Tanzania: a performance game changer

Sabuhene school in northwestern Tanzania never used to be the automatic choice for parents. Everyone was concerned about the safety of the pit latrines and the fragile buildings over them. To make matters worse, 700 pupils had to share eight toilets, with children missing lessons while waiting in line. The facilities provided no safety, dignity or privacy.

In 2019, the toilets collapsed. Using parental donations, the school began construction of a more permanent, improved toilet building. Then, with the support of the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA), the Tanzania Sustainable Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Program (SRWSSP) brought the toilets to completion in 2021.

Now, there are 16 student toilets, split evenly between boys and girls, including accessible toilets for people with disabilities, and two for teachers. The result has been game-changing in terms of pupils’ performance.