Deadline: 30-Apr-2026
The UNICEF is implementing a WASH-focused initiative in Rajasthan to improve hygiene, sanitation, and sustainability in schools. The program emphasizes clean and safe school environments through digital tools, teacher training, and system strengthening. With a 20-month timeline and a budget of 90,000, it aims to impact thousands of schools and educators through scalable and sustainable interventions.
What is This Programme?
The UNICEF WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiative in Rajasthan is a system-strengthening program designed to improve school hygiene, sanitation infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.
The initiative integrates WASH systems, climate resilience, digital tools, and education sector reforms to ensure long-term improvements in school environments.
Key Objectives and Focus Areas
1. Strengthening School WASH Systems
The programme focuses on building strong institutional frameworks for clean and healthy schools.
Key actions include:
- Aligning state-level policies with national education and WASH schemes
- Promoting sustainable hygiene practices
- Ensuring safe water and sanitation infrastructure
2. Digital Tools for School Assessment
A major innovation is the development of digital self-assessment tools integrated with existing education platforms.
These tools help schools:
- Assess their hygiene and sanitation status
- Create action plans
- Monitor progress in real time
3. Teacher Training and Capacity Building
Capacity development is central to the initiative.
Core components include:
- Development of training modules on sustainable school environments
- Training of 150 master trainers
- Cascaded online training for 15,000 teachers and staff
4. Swachhta Action Plans Implementation
The programme supports the rollout of school-level Swachhta Action Plans across approximately 8,500 schools.
These plans focus on:
- Hygiene practices
- Waste management
- Clean school infrastructure
5. Evidence Generation and Resource Mobilisation
The initiative aims to build strong evidence to attract funding and scale impact.
Key strategies include:
- Leveraging awareness days for community engagement
- Supporting pilot schools with intensive interventions
- Developing investment cases for WASH funding
- Engaging public and private stakeholders
Why This Programme Matters
Improved Student Health
Better sanitation reduces disease and absenteeism among students.
Enhanced Learning Environments
Clean and safe schools improve student concentration and outcomes.
Climate and Environmental Impact
Promotes sustainable practices aligned with climate action goals.
Scalable System Reform
Digital tools and training enable replication across regions.
Long-Term Sustainability
Focus on institutional capacity ensures lasting impact.
Programme Timeline and Budget
- Location: Rajasthan, India
- Duration: 20 months
- Indicative Budget: 90,000
- Coverage: 8,500 schools, 15,000+ educators
How the Programme Works
Step-by-Step Implementation
- Policy Alignment
Align state guidelines with national WASH and education frameworks - Tool Development
Create and integrate digital assessment tools into education systems - Capacity Building
Train master trainers, teachers, and school staff - School-Level Implementation
Develop and execute Swachhta Action Plans in schools - Community Engagement
Conduct awareness campaigns and stakeholder consultations - Monitoring and Evaluation
Track progress using digital platforms and performance indicators - Resource Mobilisation
Develop funding proposals and investment cases
Who is Eligible?
This initiative primarily targets implementing partners and stakeholders in the education and development sectors, including:
- NGOs and civil society organizations
- Education departments and government bodies
- School administrators and teachers
- Community-based organizations
- WASH and development practitioners
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak integration with existing education systems
- Limited teacher engagement and training follow-up
- Ignoring digital tool adoption and usage
- Lack of community involvement
- Poor monitoring and documentation of outcomes
Tips for Successful Implementation
- Ensure strong coordination between education and WASH sectors
- Prioritize user-friendly digital tools for schools
- Invest in continuous training and mentoring
- Use data for decision-making and reporting
- Engage communities for long-term behaviour change
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the main goal of this UNICEF initiative?
To improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) systems in schools and create clean, safe, and sustainable learning environments.
2. Where is the programme being implemented?
The initiative is being implemented in Rajasthan, India.
3. How many schools will benefit from the programme?
Approximately 8,500 schools are expected to benefit.
4. What is the duration of the programme?
The programme will run for 20 months.
5. Who will be trained under this initiative?
Around 150 master trainers and 15,000 teachers and school staff will be trained.
6. What are Swachhta Action Plans?
They are school-level plans focused on improving hygiene, sanitation, and cleanliness practices.
7. Does the programme involve digital tools?
Yes, digital tools are developed for school self-assessment, planning, and monitoring.
Conclusion
The UNICEF WASH initiative in Rajasthan represents a comprehensive, scalable, and sustainable approach to improving school environments. By combining policy reform, digital innovation, capacity building, and community engagement, the programme ensures long-term improvements in hygiene and education systems.
This initiative highlights the importance of integrating WASH, education, and climate resilience to create healthier and more effective learning environments for future generations.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
