Open Call for Defecation Elimination Project in Pocoata, Potosí (Bolivia)

Deadline: 23-Jan-2026

UNICEF is requesting grant applications to improve Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services in communities and schools in Potosí. The program focuses on providing safe sanitation facilities, promoting healthy hygiene practices, and strengthening local capacity for sustainable WASH management. Projects aim to improve the health, wellbeing, and learning environment for children and communities.

Overview

The UNICEF WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programme in Potosí aims to enhance access to essential services for children and communities. The initiative focuses on three main areas:

• Education on hygiene practices including Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM)

• Improved sanitation services in schools, health centres, and households

• Capacity building for sustainable WASH management by communities and municipalities

The programme aligns with UNICEF’s broader mission to ensure that children and families have access to safe, hygienic, and health-supportive environments.

Key Objectives

• Provide safe sanitation facilities to children, families, and communities

• Improve hygiene practices through education and social behaviour change strategies

• Strengthen school-based WASH management and training for teachers and staff

• Support municipal governments in integrating WASH priorities and budgets for long-term sustainability

Who Is Eligible?

• Community-based organisations and NGOs working in Potosí

• Schools and educational institutions implementing hygiene and sanitation initiatives

• Municipal or local government entities participating in WASH planning and budgeting

• Applicants must demonstrate capacity to implement decentralized sanitation solutions and hygiene education programs

How It Works / How to Apply

1. Identify your project focus: sanitation infrastructure, hygiene education, or capacity building.

2. Prepare an application including:

   • Project description and objectives

   • Target population and expected impact

   • Detailed budget and resource requirements

   • Implementation timeline and sustainability plan

3. Submit the application through the UNICEF grant portal by the announced deadline.

4. Evaluation process: UNICEF reviews proposals for relevance, feasibility, sustainability, and community impact.

5. Award notification: Selected applicants are notified and supported with funding and technical guidance for implementation.

Key Components of Proposed Projects

• Community Sanitation: Installation or upgrading of safe toilets and sanitation facilities in households.

• School WASH: Ensuring functional, clean, and safe sanitation facilities, training staff, and promoting good hygiene among students.

• Hygiene Promotion: Social and behaviour change campaigns targeting children, families, and communities to normalize healthy hygiene practices.

• Municipal Integration: Supporting local governments to allocate budget and embed WASH priorities into annual plans.

Common Mistakes / Tips

• Incomplete applications – Provide all requested documents and project details.

• Poor alignment with WASH objectives – Ensure your project addresses sanitation, hygiene, or capacity-building goals.

• Unclear sustainability plans – Demonstrate how WASH improvements will be maintained long-term.

• Neglecting community involvement – Projects must actively involve children, families, and local stakeholders.

Why It Matters

• Healthier communities: Reduced risk of waterborne diseases and improved public health

• Better learning environments: Clean, functional WASH facilities support education

• Empowered children and families: Improved knowledge of hygiene practices

• Sustainable development: Municipal integration ensures long-term impact beyond individual projects

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Who can apply for the UNICEF WASH grants in Potosí?

• NGOs, community organisations, schools, and municipal entities active in WASH initiatives.

Q2: What type of projects are supported?

• Decentralized sanitation infrastructure, hygiene education campaigns, school WASH management, and municipal planning support.

Q3: Are there requirements for community involvement?

• Yes, projects must actively engage children, families, and community members.

Q4: How is sustainability ensured?

• Through capacity building, local training, and integration of WASH priorities in municipal budgets.

Q5: What are key components of hygiene education?

• Handwashing, menstrual hygiene management, and general health awareness delivered through social behaviour change strategies.

Q6: Can schools apply directly?

• Yes, schools can submit proposals for facility upgrades and hygiene promotion programs.

Q7: How are applications evaluated?

• UNICEF assesses proposals for relevance, feasibility, sustainability, and expected community impact.

Conclusion

The UNICEF WASH grants in Potosí provide critical support to enhance sanitation, hygiene, and community capacity, ensuring children and communities have safer, healthier environments. By applying for funding, organisations can contribute to sustainable WASH improvements that positively impact education, health, and long-term community wellbeing.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.