Schools for Schools doesn’t stop at building beautiful new classrooms and laboratories at our 11 partner schools – the team also works with students and staff at the schools to find better ways of maintaining their campuses once the structures are built.

One of the challenges the team has found in working with the schools over the years is the wear and tear as well as vandalism that threaten to damage the new buildings. Each partner school must show that they have a budget for maintaining the property once Schools for Schools is finished with the construction, but the students must also be on board with taking care of their facilities.

Last week, Schools for Schools met with the student leadership at Sir Samuel Baker school to introduce them to good Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices. Better hygiene, better health. Better health, better grades.

During a fact-finding walk around the school, the students found scattered trash piles, dirty latrines, and tall grass that would make a great home for poisonous snakes. The students worked together to come up with a plan for keeping their school clean, from picking up trash to cutting the grass in the compound. They assigned persons responsible for making sure that the job is done well. With all the students pitching in, dirt and germs won’t stand a chance.

David, the Head Prefect at Sir Samuel Baker school, inspects one of the water sources for damage.

David, the Head Prefect at Sir Samuel Baker school, inspects one of the water sources for damage.

Student leaders gather together to learn how to keep their school clean.

Student leaders gather together to learn how to keep their school clean.

Some instructional materials on good sanitation and hygiene practices for the school.

Some instructional materials on good sanitation and hygiene practices for the school.

Students at Sir Samuel Baker school do their laundry.

Students at Sir Samuel Baker school do their laundry.

The student leaders with their teachers, Invisible Children Uganda staff, and guest speakers.

The student leaders with their teachers, Invisible Children Uganda staff, and guest speakers.

The beginning of an action plan for making Sir Samuel Baker school into a healthier learning environment

The beginning of an action plan for making Sir Samuel Baker school into a healthier learning environment.

One of the non-designated areas where trash has piled up. The students and staff of Sir Samuel Baker school have come up with a plan to keep all trash to designated areas.

One of the non-designated areas where trash has piled up. The students and staff of Sir Samuel Baker school have come up with a plan to keep all trash to designated areas.