UNICEF is implementing a climate-resilient Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) intervention in 30 schools in the Department of Huehuetenango, Guatemala. The project will directly benefit 4,500 students, 150 teachers, and 9,000 community members by improving access to safe drinking water, sanitation, hygiene education, and menstrual hygiene management. With an indicative budget of 278,500, the initiative aligns with UNICEF’s Core Commitments to Children, the WASH Strategy 2016–2030, and Sustainable Development Goal 4.
About the Organization
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) works globally to protect children’s rights and promote access to education, health, water, sanitation, and protection services.
In Guatemala, UNICEF supports inclusive and equitable quality education by strengthening school infrastructure and child-centered programming.
Project Location and Coverage
This WASH intervention will be implemented in:
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30 schools
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Department of Huehuetenango
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Municipalities of Chiantla and Santa Bárbara
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Country: Guatemala
Project Budget and Timeline Context
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Indicative budget: 278,500
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Beneficiaries:
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4,500 students
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150 teachers
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9,000 community members
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The initiative contributes to the Country Programme Document 2022–2026 for Guatemala.
Project Objective
The primary objective is to improve access to safe, climate-resilient water, sanitation, and hygiene services in schools to enhance:
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Children’s health
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School attendance
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Educational outcomes
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Community participation
Key Focus Areas
1. Safe Drinking Water Access
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Installation or rehabilitation of safe water systems
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Protection against contamination
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Climate-resilient water infrastructure
2. Sanitation Services
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Access to basic sanitation facilities
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Sex-separated toilets
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Disability-sensitive infrastructure
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Improved privacy and dignity
3. Handwashing Facilities
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Handwashing stations with soap
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Infection prevention and control measures
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Integration with hygiene education
4. Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM)
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Safe and private sanitation facilities for girls
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Awareness and education sessions
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Supply distribution where necessary
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Reducing absenteeism during menstruation
5. Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
Climate-resilient WASH systems are designed to:
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Withstand extreme weather conditions
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Address water scarcity risks
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Ensure long-term sustainability
Alignment with Global and National Frameworks
The intervention supports:
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UNICEF Core Commitments to Children (CCCs)
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UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Strategy 2016–2030
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Country Programme Document 2022–2026 (Guatemala)
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United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4
Specifically, it advances SDG Target 4.a, which calls for:
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Child-sensitive educational facilities
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Gender-sensitive infrastructure
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Disability-inclusive environments
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Access to safe water and sanitation
Why WASH in Schools Matters
Improves Educational Outcomes
Children perform better academically when they have access to safe water and sanitation.
Reduces Absenteeism
Improved hygiene facilities reduce illness and prevent school absences, especially among girls during menstruation.
Strengthens Public Health
Infection prevention and control measures reduce:
Enhances Gender Equality
Privacy and dignity in sanitation facilities enable girls to attend school consistently and confidently.
Implementation Model
UNICEF will apply a comprehensive, participatory model.
Step 1: WASH Condition Assessment
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Schools assess existing water and sanitation conditions
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Identify infrastructure gaps
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Generate baseline data
Step 2: Infrastructure Improvement
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Upgrade water systems
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Improve sanitation blocks
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Install handwashing stations
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Ensure climate resilience
Step 3: Social and Behavior Change Communication (SBCC)
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Classroom-based hygiene education
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Clean hands festivals led by children
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Awareness sessions for parents and teachers
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Alignment with national curriculum and Back to School Plan
Step 4: Community Participation and Knowledge Management
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Active involvement of school communities
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Ongoing monitoring of functionality
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Documentation of best practices
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Long-term sustainability planning
Social and Behavior Change Component
Beyond infrastructure, the project includes:
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Hygiene awareness campaigns
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Menstrual hygiene education
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Parent engagement sessions
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Teacher capacity building
This ensures behavior change is sustained beyond physical upgrades.
Who Benefits?
Direct beneficiaries include:
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4,500 students
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150 teachers
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9,000 community members
Indirect beneficiaries include families and broader community networks.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the intervention:
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Schools will have climate-resilient WASH facilities
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Girls will have safe and dignified menstrual hygiene access
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Students will practice improved hygiene behaviors
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Reduced infection risks and absenteeism
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Stronger community ownership of WASH systems
Common Challenges Addressed
The intervention tackles:
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Water contamination
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Inadequate sanitation infrastructure
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Gender barriers to school attendance
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Weak infection prevention systems
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Limited community engagement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Where is this project being implemented?
In 30 schools in the Department of Huehuetenango, Guatemala.
2. How many students will benefit?
4,500 students will directly benefit from improved WASH facilities.
3. What is meant by climate-resilient WASH infrastructure?
Infrastructure designed to withstand climate risks such as droughts or extreme weather while ensuring long-term water access and sanitation functionality.
4. How does the project support girls?
It provides private, safe sanitation facilities and menstrual hygiene management education to reduce absenteeism and promote dignity.
5. How does this align with global goals?
It supports Sustainable Development Goal 4, particularly target 4.a on inclusive, safe, and gender-sensitive educational facilities.
6. Is the project only about infrastructure?
No. It combines infrastructure upgrades with hygiene education, community engagement, and behavior change initiatives.
7. Why is infection prevention emphasized?
Improved hygiene reduces waterborne diseases and strengthens public health systems, especially important after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conclusion
UNICEF’s WASH in Schools initiative in Huehuetenango represents a strategic investment in health, education, gender equality, and climate resilience.
By combining infrastructure upgrades, menstrual hygiene management, community engagement, and behavior change education, the initiative ensures that school environments are safe, inclusive, and supportive of children’s full potential.
Through alignment with global frameworks and national priorities, this intervention contributes directly to inclusive and equitable quality education while protecting children’s health and dignity in Guatemala.
For more information, visit UN Partner Portal.
