RFAs: School Infrastructure Improvement (Honduras)

Deadline: 24-Mar-2026

The World Food Programme has launched a call for expressions of interest to improve school infrastructure in Puerto Lempira, Honduras, under the national school feeding program. The initiative focuses on sanitation, nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), and education infrastructure. It aims to create safe, hygienic environments for food preparation and student well-being in underserved indigenous communities.

What is This Initiative?

The School Infrastructure Improvement Program by the World Food Programme is designed to enhance education facilities, nutrition delivery, and hygiene conditions in Puerto Lempira, Honduras.

This initiative complements the national school feeding program by ensuring that schools have the infrastructure needed to safely prepare and distribute food.

Key Definition: WASH

WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) refers to:

• Access to safe drinking water

• Adequate sanitation facilities

• Proper hygiene practices

WASH is essential for student health, nutrition, and learning outcomes.

Project Location and Context

Target Area

• Puerto Lempira, Gracias a Dios Department, Honduras

• Predominantly indigenous communities

Key Challenges

• Lack of proper school infrastructure

• Limited or no access to electricity

• Inadequate drinking water supply

• Poor sanitation and hygiene facilities

These conditions directly impact:

• Food safety

• Student health

• School attendance and learning

Core Focus Areas

1. Education Infrastructure

• Construction and rehabilitation of school facilities

• Alignment with national education standards

2. Nutrition and School Feeding

• Safe preparation and distribution of meals

• Improved nutritional outcomes for students

3. WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene)

• Installation of sanitation systems

• Access to safe drinking water

• Promotion of hygiene practices

4. Protection and Well-being

• Safe and dignified learning environments

• Reduced health risks for students

Key Project Components

The selected partner will implement the following:

Infrastructure Development

• Construction of a sanitary module

• Development of a basic kitchen for food preparation

• Installation of a handwashing station

Water Supply Systems

• Drilling of a well

• Installation of a solar-powered water pump

• Construction of a water storage tank

Waste Management

• Installation of a biodigester system for wastewater treatment

Expected Outcomes

• Improved hygiene and sanitation in schools

• Safe and efficient food preparation

• Increased access to clean water

• Enhanced student health and nutrition

• Better learning environments

Who is Eligible?

Eligible Applicants

• NGOs and non-profit organizations

• Community-based organizations

• Development partners with experience in infrastructure or WASH

Preferred Criteria

• Experience in school infrastructure or WASH projects

• Capacity to work in remote and underserved communities

• Understanding of indigenous community contexts

Why This Initiative Matters

Improves Student Health

Access to clean water and sanitation reduces disease and absenteeism.

Strengthens School Feeding Programs

Ensures food is prepared and served in hygienic conditions.

Promotes Equity

Targets underserved indigenous communities with limited resources.

Supports Sustainable Development

Integrates renewable energy (solar pump) and eco-friendly systems (biodigester).

How It Works

Implementation Approach

The project follows a community-centered and infrastructure-based model:

1. Assess school infrastructure needs

2. Design facilities aligned with standards

3. Construct and install systems

4. Ensure community engagement and ownership

5. Monitor and maintain infrastructure

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Review Call for Expressions of Interest

• Understand WFP requirements and objectives

• Confirm alignment with WASH and education goals

Step 2: Conduct Local Assessment

• Analyze community needs

• Consider constraints like lack of electricity and water

Step 3: Develop a Technical Proposal

Include:

• Infrastructure design plans

• Implementation methodology

• Risk mitigation strategies

Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents

• Organizational profile

• Past project experience

• Budget and timeline

Step 5: Submit Application

• Follow WFP submission guidelines

• Ensure all documents are complete

Step 6: Evaluation and Selection

Proposals are assessed based on:

• Technical feasibility

• Experience and capacity

• Cost-effectiveness

• Community impact

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring local conditions (e.g., no electricity or water access)

• Weak technical design for infrastructure

• Lack of community engagement

• Incomplete or unclear proposals

• Underestimating logistical challenges

Tips for a Strong Application

• Design context-specific and practical solutions

• Emphasize sustainability and maintenance plans

• Demonstrate experience in similar environments

• Include clear technical and financial details

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the main goal of this initiative?

To improve school infrastructure and ensure safe, hygienic environments for food preparation and learning.

2. Where is the project located?

Puerto Lempira in the Gracias a Dios department of Honduras.

3. What facilities will be constructed?

Sanitary modules, kitchens, handwashing stations, wells, and water systems.

4. What is WASH and why is it important?

WASH refers to water, sanitation, and hygiene, which are critical for health and education outcomes.

5. Who benefits from the project?

Students, teachers, and the broader school community.

6. Are renewable solutions included?

Yes, such as solar-powered water pumps and biodigesters.

7. What makes a proposal successful?

Strong technical design, local understanding, and alignment with WFP priorities.

Conclusion

The WFP School Infrastructure Improvement Program in Puerto Lempira addresses critical gaps in education, nutrition, and hygiene. By integrating WASH systems, sustainable infrastructure, and community engagement, the initiative ensures that students learn in safe and dignified environments. Organizations with strong technical expertise and local understanding have a valuable opportunity to drive meaningful impact.

For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.