CFPs: Climate-Resilient WASH and Behavior Change in La Guajira and Arauca Schools (Colombia)

UNICEF Colombia is accepting applications for projects that provide safe, sustainable, and inclusive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) services in schools while promoting climate resilience, health, and school retention. The initiative targets 11 schools, benefiting 2,000 children, with a focus on climate-adapted infrastructure, hygiene education, menstrual health, and anticipatory actions against extreme weather events.

Overview of the Initiative

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is inviting applications to improve water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in prioritized schools across Arauca and La Guajira, Colombia.

The program integrates climate resilience, health promotion, and inclusive education, ensuring that school infrastructure is adapted to local conditions and prepared for extreme weather events. It emphasizes both physical improvements and social and behavior change (SBC) to enhance student health, hygiene, and environmental awareness.

Purpose and Objectives

The initiative aims to:

• Provide safe, sustainable, and inclusive WASH infrastructure in schools

• Build climate resilience in school facilities and surrounding communities

• Improve health, hygiene, and menstrual management for students, particularly girls and women

• Promote student leadership and environmental education

• Strengthen teacher and school staff capacity to implement sustainable WASH practices

• Support anticipatory actions to mitigate climate-related risks

The program addresses both immediate infrastructure needs and long-term behavioral and institutional change to ensure sustainable impact.

Who Will Benefit

• Approximately 2,000 children across 11 schools

• 800 girls and women benefiting from improved menstrual hygiene services

• 3,200 students trained in hygiene, health, and climate adaptation practices

• 170 educators trained, including 50 in behavior change approaches

• 120 school staff supported to implement sustainable WASH strategies

Key Components of the Program

1. Climate-Resilient WASH Infrastructure

• Upgraded WASH facilities in eight schools

• Anticipatory actions in three schools to mitigate climate risks

• Ensures infrastructure can withstand extreme weather events

2. Social and Behavior Change (SBC)

• 3,200 students trained in hygiene, health, and climate adaptation

• 1,200 students participate in workshops, leadership activities, and environmental education

• 50 teachers trained in emergency and environmental plans

3. Teacher and Institutional Capacity Building

• 170 educators receive training, with 50 focusing on behavior change approaches

• 120 school staff supported in sustainable WASH implementation

• Guidance provided on school emergency and environmental planning

4. Emergency WASH Response

• Rapid WASH interventions during armed conflict, natural disasters, or migration crises

• Additional resources activated as needed to ensure equitable access to water and sanitation

Implementation Period

The project is designed to be implemented across targeted schools in Arauca and La Guajira, with activities focusing on:

• Infrastructure improvements

• Behavioral and environmental education

• Capacity building for teachers and staff

• Community engagement and anticipatory actions

Why This Initiative Matters

The program is crucial because it:

• Combines infrastructure improvements with education and behavior change

• Promotes climate-resilient school facilities in vulnerable regions

• Supports gender-sensitive health interventions, including menstrual hygiene management

• Enhances learning outcomes and school retention by improving school environments

• Builds community capacity to respond to climate and humanitarian challenges

How to Apply

Applicants should:

1. Review UNICEF Colombia’s official Call for Applications for detailed guidance on objectives, indicators, and eligibility

2. Prepare a comprehensive proposal including:

   • Organizational capacity and experience in WASH, education, or climate resilience

   • Proposed activities and methodology

   • Target beneficiaries and expected outcomes

   • Budget and resource allocation

3. Submit applications through the designated UNICEF platform before the specified deadline

Successful proposals will demonstrate a holistic approach, combining infrastructure, education, and community engagement, with measurable outcomes.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly describe how climate resilience will be integrated into WASH infrastructure

• Emphasize inclusive practices for children with diverse needs

• Include measurable indicators for student training, health outcomes, and school retention

• Highlight teacher and staff capacity-building plans

• Explain community engagement and anticipatory action strategies

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Focusing only on infrastructure without behavior change or training components

• Neglecting inclusion of girls, vulnerable children, or marginalized communities

• Omitting measurable outcomes or impact indicators

• Failing to align proposed activities with climate-resilient approaches

• Overlooking contingency planning for emergencies or extreme weather

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who can apply?

Organizations with experience in WASH, education, or climate resilience initiatives in Colombia.

How many schools will benefit?

11 schools across Arauca and La Guajira.

What is the target population?

Approximately 2,000 children, 800 girls and women, and 3,200 students trained in hygiene and climate adaptation.

Does the project include teacher training?

Yes. 170 educators trained, including 50 in behavior change approaches, and 120 staff supported in WASH implementation.

Are emergency interventions included?

Yes. WASH responses are provided during armed conflicts, natural disasters, or migration crises.

What areas of focus does the project include?

Climate-resilient infrastructure, social and behavior change, inclusive education, health and hygiene, and emergency preparedness.

What outcomes are expected?

Improved school WASH services, enhanced student and teacher capacity, better menstrual hygiene management, climate resilience, and increased school retention.

Conclusion

UNICEF Colombia’s WASH initiative offers a comprehensive approach to improving health, education, and climate resilience in vulnerable schools. By combining infrastructure upgrades, capacity-building, and community engagement, the program ensures sustainable, inclusive, and safe learning environments that empower children and adolescents while preparing schools to face climate-related and emergency challenges.