Improving Community Living Standards in Tchologo and Bounkani via ATPC (Cote D’Ivoire)

UNICEF, in partnership with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), is inviting applications to implement WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) and eco-citizenship initiatives in Tchologo and Bounkani. The programme supports ending open defecation, improving hygiene in schools and healthcare facilities, promoting environmental education, and strengthening community resilience. Interventions focus on gender, equity, and sustainability, benefiting students, teachers, healthcare workers, and local communities.

Programme Overview

The UNICEF WASH and Eco-Citizenship Programme aims to improve sanitation, hygiene, and environmental practices in communities, schools, and health centers. Key interventions include:

• CLTS (Community-Led Total Sanitation): Mobilizing communities to end open defecation and adopt good hygiene practices

• 3 Star Approach: Encouraging sustainable school WASH practices and eco-citizenship activities among students and teachers

• Eco-Citizenship Education: Promoting responsible environmental behaviors such as waste management, reforestation, and sustainable water use

• WASH FIT (Facility Improvement Tool): Strengthening hygiene and sanitation practices in health centers to protect patients and staff

The programme emphasizes environmental protection in the context of climate change, deforestation, and rising pollution, targeting behavior change among children, teachers, healthcare workers, and communities.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible partners are Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with the capacity to implement WASH, school hygiene, and eco-citizenship programmes in Tchologo and Bounkani. Partners should have experience in community engagement, school-based interventions, and health facility support.

Objectives and Expected Outcomes

The programme seeks to:

• End open defecation in targeted communities

• Improve hygiene and sanitation in schools and health centers

• Promote environmental education and eco-citizenship among students and teachers

• Build capacity of healthcare workers to improve WASH services using tools like WASH FIT

• Ensure efficient programme management and documentation

Expected Beneficiaries:

• Direct: Teachers, students, healthcare workers, and community members

• Indirect: Wider population through improved hygiene practices and environmental awareness

Deliverables for CSO Partners

• Baseline reports

• FDAL (Facility, District, and Local) assessment reports

• Quarterly and final reports

• Documentation of programme achievements and lessons learned

Programme Focus Areas

• Gender and Equity: Empowering women and children to actively participate in WASH and environmental initiatives

• Sustainability: Promoting long-term adoption of hygiene practices, environmental responsibility, and community resilience

• Environmental Protection: Activities include waste management, reforestation, sustainable water use, and maintenance of school grounds

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Prepare Proposal: Outline planned activities aligned with CLTS, 3 Star, eco-citizenship, and WASH FIT interventions

2. Define Target Communities: Identify schools, health centers, and communities in Tchologo and Bounkani

3. Set Objectives and Indicators: Include measurable outcomes related to hygiene, sanitation, and environmental education

4. Submit Application: Ensure inclusion of organizational capacity, past experience, and sustainability strategies

5. Reporting and Monitoring: CSOs must submit baseline reports, quarterly updates, and final documentation of results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Failing to demonstrate experience in WASH, school programs, or community engagement

• Neglecting sustainability and long-term impact in project design

• Omitting gender and equity considerations in interventions

• Incomplete reporting or lack of measurable indicators

• Not aligning activities with UNICEF’s CLTS, 3 Star, eco-citizenship, or WASH FIT frameworks

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply for this programme?
Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) with experience in WASH and community or school-based interventions in Tchologo and Bounkani.

2. What interventions are supported?
CLTS, 3 Star approach, eco-citizenship education, and WASH FIT in health centers.

3. Who benefits from the programme?
Direct beneficiaries include students, teachers, healthcare workers, and community members; indirect benefits extend to the wider population.

4. How is programme impact measured?
Through baseline reports, FDAL assessments, quarterly and final reports, and documented achievements.

5. What is the programme’s focus on gender and equity?
It prioritizes empowering women and children and ensuring equitable access to WASH and environmental education interventions.

6. What environmental activities are encouraged?
Waste management, reforestation, sustainable water use, and school ground maintenance.

7. How are healthcare facilities supported?
Using WASH FIT to assess services, identify risks, and implement corrective measures in resource-limited settings.

Why This Programme Matters

Access to proper WASH services and environmental education is essential for community health, school participation, and resilience. By combining hygiene promotion, environmental responsibility, and gender-sensitive approaches, this programme contributes to long-term sustainable improvements in communities, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Conclusion

The UNICEF WASH and Eco-Citizenship Programme provides CSOs with the opportunity to implement transformative sanitation, hygiene, and environmental education initiatives in Tchologo and Bounkani. By focusing on sustainable practices, gender equity, and measurable outcomes, the programme ensures that communities, schools, and health facilities benefit directly and indirectly, creating lasting positive change.