Updated: Feb 6
Gadaisu Primary School’s New Ablution Block
IN a heartening development for the rural community of Milne Bay Province, Gadaisu Primary School has recently inaugurated a new ablution block, thanks to the efforts of the Wash in Schools (WinS) program. This vital addition to the school’s infrastructure is expected to improve both the health and educational experiences of students, creating a safer, more hygienic environment for learning.
The completion of the ablution block marks a significant milestone for Gadaisu Primary, which is located in a remote part of the province where access to basic sanitation has long been a struggle. Prior to the installation of this facility, students were forced to use bush areas as toilets, exposing them to health risks such as snake bites and waterborne diseases. Now, with the new ablution block in place, which includes separate toilets and a shower facility for boys and girls, students and staff alike are reaping the benefits of improved hygiene standards.
The completion of the new ablution block was made possible through a partnership between Cool Earth, the United Church Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Project (RWSSP), and the Department of Education. These organizations have worked together to enhance water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions in schools across the region. The WinS program, a key part of this collaboration, aims to make clean water and sanitation facilities accessible in schools, improving overall student health and reducing absenteeism caused by hygiene-related illnesses.
Jack Purai, program manager for Milne Bay’s RWSSP, emphasized the significance of this achievement. Gadaisu Primary is now the fourth school in the region to benefit from such facilities, with previous installations showing positive impacts on hygiene practices in other schools within the Alotau District. “These improvements have led to better health outcomes, reducing absenteeism and creating a safer learning environment for all students,” Purai said.
This initiative is not just about bricks and mortar but is also focused on changing behaviors
regarding sanitation and hygiene. The WinS program incorporates educational components
aimed at instilling better hygiene practices in students and their families. For instance, by providing access to clean toilets and promoting handwashing, the program helps prevent the spread of diseases and improves overall public health. Head teacher Justin Tokuluwaga expressed his gratitude for the new facilities, noting the immense difference it has made for the students. “The students are now using proper sanitation facilities, which has removed the risk of disease outbreaks,” Tokuluwaga said. “This development has been a great relief for the school and community.”
The WinS program’s impact extends beyond Gadaisu Primary, as it has reached several schools in Milne Bay, including Sololo, Wadauda, and Kondu. These efforts are aimed at improving WASH conditions across the region while contributing to the preservation of local forests through conservation efforts, aligning with broader environmental goals.
The new ablution block at Gadaisu Primary is a step toward achieving several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and Goal 4 (Quality Education). These global objectives highlight the importance of providing access to clean water, improving sanitation facilities, and ensuring inclusive and equitable education for all.
In Papua New Guinea (PNG), the WinS program supports national education policies that aim to enhance the quality of education by addressing basic infrastructure needs. However, the country still faces significant challenges in ensuring that all schools meet sanitation and hygiene standards. According to statistics, 55% of schools in PNG lack access to clean water, and a staggering 94% do not meet national toilet standards.
The government has acknowledged these issues, but funding gaps continue to be a major barrier to widespread change. While programs like WinS demonstrate the potential for positive change, they are still limited in scope, and many schools across the country continue to operate without adequate sanitation facilities.
The success of the Gadaisu Primary project highlights the importance of continued investment in WASH initiatives. Enhanced WASH services in schools not only improve student health but also directly contribute to better educational outcomes. Clean and safe learning environments encourage students to attend school regularly and focus on their studies, which in turn leads to improved academic performance.
As the PNG government and international organizations continue to work towards achieving the SDGs, it is crucial to recognize that access to clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene facilities should not be optional but fundamental for every student, regardless of their location or background.
The new ablution block at Gadaisu Primary School is a small but significant step towards
improving the educational and health outcomes of students in Milne Bay Province. As the WinS program continues to expand and more schools benefit from improved sanitation facilities, there is hope for a brighter, healthier future for students across Papua New Guinea.
However, as highlighted by the success of this project, the need for continued support and investment in WASH initiatives is paramount. By prioritizing the health and well-being of students, PNG can create a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable education system—one that reflects the values of the SDGs and ensures that every child has the opportunity to learn in a safe and hygienic environment.
As Gadaisu Primary’s experience shows, when communities, schools, and organizations work together, meaningful change can happen, setting the stage for better health, education, and prosperity for future generations.