Still too many schools without access to water and hygiene in the world
Rapport : According to a new UNESCO report, 31% of schools in the world still do not have access to drinking water. In Morocco, 70% of schools have basic sanitary facilities. That said, disparities still persist between urban and rural areas.
One in three schools in the world has neither drinking water nor basic sanitation facilities. Thus nearly 584 million children have limited or non-existent access to drinking water in schools. This is revealed by a new report which will be launched this Wednesday, February 8 by UNESCO, UNICEF and the World Food Program (WFP). The paper reveals that investments in school health and nutrition have a significant impact on student achievement. According to the report “Learning and Thriving: Global School Health and Nutrition”, the presence of health and nutrition services in schools encourages children to come and stay.
School meals alone increase enrollment and attendance is 9% and 8% respectively. The report indicates that in Morocco, 84% of schools have basic drinking water services. The Kingdom is thus well positioned compared to several countries such as Tunisia where 70% of schools have drinking water services or Libya with only 17%.
In terms of sanitation, 70% of schools in Morocco have basic sanitary facilities. That said, disparities still persist between urban and rural areas. In North Africa, the report mentions that Tunisia has ensured its infrastructure in 63% of these establishments, 61% in Libya, 100% in Egypt and only 21% in Mauritania. In addition, 89% of schools in Morocco have basic hygiene services. The report also indicates that 97% of primary schools in Morocco have access to electricity. That said, only 20% have access to facilities adapted to students with disabilities. “Students learn best in safe and healthy schools.
However, many schools still lack services for the good health and well-being of their students, including access to drinking water and basic sanitation facilities. UNESCO and its partners call on the international community to help countries invest in health, nutrition and social protection in schools, because children deserve an environment that allows them to reach their full potential,” said Audrey Azoulay , the Director General of UNESCO.
unesco, Unicef and WFP call on the international community, countries and their partners to intensify their efforts to protect and promote the physical and mental health, nutrition, well-being and development of all learners. UNESCO believes that a stronger commitment from national governments and stronger support from the international community are essential.
