Introduction to Pit Latrine Project
Hon. Wilson Kajwenje, a Member of the Uganda Parliament, has requested Speakers for Africa's assistance to address a critical sanitation challenge in his district of Mbarara by constructing a pit latrine for the Rwakobo Primary School, in Uganda. The school and community face dire conditions due to overflowing or collapsed pit latrines. Without proper facilities, students are forced to relieve themselves in nearby bushes or open fields, exposing them to health risks, indignity, and barriers to education. Health and sanitation in Uganda need to be a top concern. Speakers for Africa has the experience and connections to construct a durable pit latrine cost-efficiently and sustainably.
Problem: Sanitation
Addressing waterborne diseases (which globally kill over 1,000 children under five each day) is crucial for health and sustainable development. In Uganda, challenges like high pit-emptying costs, poor sanitation maintenance, groundwater contamination, and limited hygiene awareness lead to open defecation, particularly in rural areas like Rwakobo Primary School, Uganda.
Solution: Construction
Speakers for Africa seeks funding to construct a six-stall (six stance), gender-sensitive pit latrine and expand hand-washing facilities at the Rwakobo Primary School, Mbarara District of Western Uganda. This water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) project will enhance sanitation, reduce the risk of disease outbreaks like cholera, and promote better health and a sustainable environment for the community.
We estimate our cost at $6,433.
Impact: Life Saving
Improving sanitation infrastructure is vital for reducing disease, enhancing public health, and creating a sustainable environment. This project will not only save lives but also promote long-term community well-being and development for 300 students.
Background
Speakers for Africa is deeply committed to constructing pit latrines for schools in Uganda, recognizing the critical need for improved sanitation. We have already secured government approval, reliable contractors, and access to affordable building materials, ensuring this project is both practical and cost-effective. Drawing from our observations of other latrine projects, we are applying best practices to guarantee success. Decades of building durable relationships in the country allow us to negotiate fair prices and avoid common problems faced by some other nonprofits. With a proven reputation for delivering on promises, we ensure donors’ contributions are maximized and responsibly allocated. We provide live-streamed updates to show exactly how donations are making a difference, fostering trust and transparency throughout the process.
Executive Summary - Speakers for Africa Pit Latrine Project - Rwakobo Primary School
Speakers for Africa, in partnership with the Rotary Club of Mbarara, Evergreen Rotary, Rotary of Denver SE, Blue Spruce Kiwanis, and several local businesses, is seeking funding to construct a gender-sensitive pit latrine at Rwakobo Primary School, located in Lake Mburo National Park in the Mbarara district of Uganda. With 27 years of living in and visiting Uganda, coupled with high-level government contacts and a network of competent engineers and contractors, we are uniquely positioned to deliver this project efficiently and at a fair price. The school’s current sanitation facilities are severely inadequate, creating an urgent need to address the health and safety of its students and staff. Poor hygiene contributes to the spread of diseases, undermining education and overall well-being.
Hon. Wilson Kajwenje, Member of Parliament for the Mbarara district, has requested Speakers for Africa’s assistance to address this critical sanitation challenge. Without proper facilities, students are forced to relieve themselves in nearby bushes or open fields, exposing them to health risks, indignity, and barriers to education. Through this initiative, we will construct a high-quality latrine, expand handwashing facilities, and provide comprehensive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) education to create a lasting impact.
Problem Statement
Rwakobo Primary School, located in Lake Mburo National Park in Uganda, is facing a severe sanitation crisis. The school’s existing facilities are unsanitary, unsafe, and insufficient for the student population. Many students, numbering over 300, are forced to use nearby bushes or open fields due to collapsed or non-functional latrines. This lack of proper sanitation exposes students to preventable diseases such as diarrhea and cholera, further exacerbating health risks in the community. Girls are disproportionately affected, as the absence of private and secure facilities often leads to absenteeism, especially during menstruation.
These conditions undermine the students’ dignity, health, and ability to focus on their education. Addressing these critical issues is essential for creating a safe, hygienic, and supportive learning environment at Rwakobo Primary School. The entire country of Uganda faces significant sanitation challenges, with 75% of urban residents, including schools, relying on poorly constructed pit latrines.
Common issues include:
Collapsed or poorly maintained latrines.
Open defecation due to inadequate facilities.
Contamination of groundwater from improperly constructed pits.
High costs of emptying latrines.
Limited hygiene education and practices.
Discovery of rocks and hidden boulders, resulting in significantly increased cost.
Our Solution Speakers for Africa Pit Latrine Project - Rwakobo Primary School
Project Goals and Objectives
Speakers for Africa proposes the construction of a durable, six-stall pit latrine at the Rwakobo Primary School in Western, Uganda. We intend to construct a latrine with separate compartments for boys and girls, ensuring privacy and dignity.
This project will:
Provide safe, hygienic, and private sanitation facilities for both boys and girls.
Reduce the spread of waterborne diseases and improve overall health outcomes.
Foster greater attendance and participation in school, particularly for girls.
Our plan also includes:
Handwashing Facilities: Expanded handwashing stations will be installed with access to a reliable water supply.
WASH Education: Delivering hygiene education to students and staff to ensure proper use and maintenance of the facilities.
Expand hand-washing facilities to accommodate the school’s population.
Introduce bio-toilets with worms, also known as tiger worm toilets or vermifilter toilets.
Educate students and staff on hygiene and the proper use and maintenance of the latrines, including WASH training. Foster long-term health improvements and reduce the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks.
Establish a sustainable legacy fund to cover the ongoing costs of safely emptying and treating human waste from the pit latrines. This fund will ensure long-term sanitation maintenance, protect public health, and uphold the effectiveness of the infrastructure for years to come.
Project Activities
Scout location
Survey and assess the school grounds for construction suitability.
Consult the water board personnel for availability of water in the area.
Clear and level the selected site.
Excavate the pit.
Build a two-compartment, six-stall (six-stance) latrine structure with ventilation and pump access.
Ensure the design meets environmental and safety standards to prevent groundwater contamination.
Install multiple hand-washing stations near the latrines.
Equip facilities with soap dispensers and water tanks.
Conduct workshops for students and staff on WASH practices.
Provide training on proper latrine maintenance to ensure sustainability.
Commemorate with a sign from our sponsors.
Budget
Speakers for Africa - Pit latrine project
Speakers for Africa proposes the construction of a durable, gender-sensitive pit latrine at Rwakobo Primary School.
Overview of goals:
Provide safe, hygienic, and private sanitation facilities for both boys and girls.
Reduce the spread of waterborne diseases and improve overall health outcomes.
Foster greater attendance and participation in school, particularly for girls.
Our plan also includes:
Handwashing Facilities: Installing expanded handwashing stations with access to a reliable water supply.
WASH Education: Delivering hygiene education to students and staff to ensure proper use and maintenance of the facilities.
Thank you to our sponsors:
The total funding required for this project is $6,433.
This budget includes:
Materials for constructing a durable pit latrine: $3,000
Labor and transportation: $2,000
Handwashing facilities and water supply: $1,000
WASH education materials and sessions: $433
By leveraging local partnerships and resources, including the Rotary Club of Mbarara and other sponsors, we will ensure every dollar is used effectively, delivering maximum impact at minimal cost.
Organizational Capability
Speakers for Africa has a proven track record of delivering impactful projects in Uganda. Our collaboration with Rotary clubs and local businesses ensures access to expertise and resources. The invitation from Hon. Wilson Kajwenje reinforces the community’s trust in our ability to execute this project successfully. Previous sanitation initiatives completed by our team demonstrate our commitment to quality, efficiency, and sustainability.
Project Timeline
Month 1: December 2024 — January 12, 2025: Planning and procurement.
Month 2: January 16, 2025: Start the construction of the pit latrine:
Month 3: February 2025: Completion of pit latrine:
Month 4: March 2025: (US team first visit: 1st week of March.) Installation of handwashing facilities: WASH education sessions.
Month 5: April 2025: Project evaluation and reporting:
Sustainability Plan
Our latrine construction project at Rwakobo Primary School is built on a foundation of sustainability, collaboration, and community empowerment. By employing local labor and sourcing building materials from within the region, we are creating immediate job opportunities while stimulating the local economy. These efforts ensure that the project supports not only the school but also the broader community in a meaningful and lasting way.
We are committed to working in close cooperation with the government of Uganda, aligning with their education and sanitation goals. This partnership not only strengthens our impact but also demonstrates our long-term dedication to Uganda's development, supporting our pending international NGO license application. Additionally, we are honored to partner with the Rotary of Mbarara, whose expertise and community connections will help ensure the project's success.
The support and collaboration of key stakeholders—including the school administration, the headmaster, the families of the students, and the local elders—are integral to this initiative. Their input and endorsement reflect the community's commitment to improving hygiene and safety for their children.
By combining local resources, government collaboration, and community involvement, this project exemplifies our holistic and sustainable approach to development. It underscores our intent to create lasting, positive change in Uganda and our commitment to building relationships rooted in trust and mutual benefit.
Expected Outcomes
Access to safe and hygienic sanitation facilities for over 300 students and staff.
Reduced risk of disease outbreaks such as cholera and diarrhea.
Increased awareness and adoption of hygiene practices among the school community.
A healthier, more dignified learning environment for students.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Speakers for Africa will monitor progress through:
Regular site visits during construction.
Feedback from students, teachers, and parents on the facility's impact.
Annual evaluations of maintenance practices and health outcomes at the school.
Create a legacy fund to pay for the removal and treatment of the waste. We will set aside $100 each year for five years to pay for the sewage truck.
Conclusion
By funding this project, you will play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of over 300 students at Rwakobo Primary School. Together, we can create a healthier, safer, and more equitable learning environment, fostering opportunities for future success. With your support, this initiative will not only address urgent sanitation needs but also set a foundation for sustainable hygiene practices within the community. Thank you for considering this impactful partnership. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of these children and their community.
This project proposal can also be accessed at https://www.speakersforafrica.org/latrineproject
Project Timeline
Human waste is best managed by removal and treatment, but often people cannot afford it. Therefore, many latrines access a cheaper and high-risk method, allowing liquid to percolate back into the soil. Our latrines would be properly lined and airtight, ensuring that the groundwater is protected.
Bio-Toilets and Removal
Bio-toilets with a tiger worm system, paired with efficient sewage removal and treatment processes, offers an optimal solution for managing human waste cost-effectively and sustainably.
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