Deadline: 28-Apr-2026
The UNICEF is inviting applications to strengthen clean, green, safe, and climate-resilient school systems across Gujarat, India.
The initiative focuses on WASH, climate action, and capacity building, supporting large-scale improvements in school infrastructure, behaviour change, and sustainable education systems.
What is the UNICEF Gujarat Schools Initiative?
This programme is a technical assistance and capacity-building initiative aimed at improving school environments through sustainable and climate-resilient approaches.
It aims to:
- Strengthen WASH systems in schools
- Build climate-resilient infrastructure
- Improve planning and governance at district levels
- Promote behaviour change and student engagement
Programme Coverage
Geographic Focus
- 10 districts in Gujarat
Target Institutions
- Government and supported schools
- District and education system stakeholders
Key Focus Areas
1. WASH & Environmental Sustainability
- Safe water systems in schools
- Sanitation and hygiene practices
- Environmental pollution reduction
2. Climate-Resilient Schools
- Climate action integration
- Sustainable infrastructure improvements
- Resource-efficient systems
3. Food Security & Natural Resources
- Food assistance and school nutrition
- Sustainable resource management
4. Behaviour Change & Communication
5. Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM)
- Access to hygiene products
- Safe disposal systems
- Awareness and education modules
Programme Components
1. Capacity Building
- 60+ district decision-makers trained
- 600+ stakeholders trained through workshops
- 1,400+ teachers trained for action planning
2. School-Level Support
- Technical handholding for 700 schools
- Infrastructure and service delivery improvements
- Support for low-performing schools
3. Systems Strengthening
- Development of standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Strengthening district-level planning systems
- Alignment with Saksham Shala and SHVR standards
4. Student & Youth Engagement
- Student-led climate and WASH actions
- Interactive learning materials
- Climate action planning in higher education
5. Knowledge & Documentation
- 20+ documented change stories
- Evidence-based planning frameworks
- Monitoring and evaluation systems
Why This Programme Matters
School systems face increasing challenges from climate change and resource constraints.
This initiative helps:
- Improve student health and safety
- Build sustainable school environments
- Strengthen education system resilience
- Promote long-term environmental responsibility
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
- Organizations with expertise in:
- WASH
- Education systems
- Public health
- Climate resilience
Ideal Applicants
- Experience in capacity building
- Strong field presence
- Ability to work with government systems
- Experience with large-scale implementation
How to Apply
Step-by-Step Process
- Review Programme Scope
- Align with WASH and climate goals
- Develop Proposal
- Focus on capacity building and implementation
- Demonstrate Experience
- Highlight past work in similar sectors
- Submit Application
- Include technical and operational plan
Selection Criteria
Applications are assessed based on:
- Technical expertise
- Relevance to programme goals
- Experience with government partnerships
- Cost-effectiveness
- Implementation capacity
Tips for a Strong Application
- Emphasize large-scale implementation experience
- Highlight WASH and climate expertise
- Include clear training and capacity-building plans
- Demonstrate measurable outcomes
- Show alignment with government systems
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Weak implementation strategy
- Lack of field experience
- Ignoring behaviour change components
- Poor alignment with district-level systems
- Incomplete proposal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is leading the programme?
UNICEF.
2. Where is the programme implemented?
Across 10 districts in Gujarat.
3. What is the main focus?
WASH, climate resilience, and sustainable school systems.
4. How many schools are supported?
Around 700 schools receive direct support.
5. Is teacher training included?
Yes, over 1,400 teachers will be trained.
6. What is WASH CCES?
A framework for Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in Climate-Resilient School Systems.
7. Does the programme include menstrual hygiene?
Yes, with dedicated systems and awareness modules.
Conclusion
The UNICEF Gujarat Climate-Resilient Schools Programme 2026 is a large-scale initiative to transform school environments through sustainability, capacity building, and climate action.
It offers a significant opportunity for experienced organisations to contribute to long-term improvements in education, health, and environmental outcomes.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.