The Salesians of Don Bosco, Africa Nigeria-Niger (ANN) Province, through the Project and Development Office(PDO), are pleased to share an update on the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Program implemented at St. Jude Science and Technical College, Tse-Mker, Benue State, with the generous support of Salesian Missions, New Rochelle. As we celebrate this season of love, our profound gratitude goes to our partner, Salesian Missions, New Rochelle, particularly for their support in the implementation of the WASH program, a feat we are pleased to have accomplished.
Background and Need
St. Jude Science and Technical College has a long and resilient history. Established in 1983 and later entrusted to the Salesians by the Diocese of Gboko in 2024, the school serves a rapidly growing population of young people. Today, the institution hosts over 1,300 students, 70 staff, and more than 350 children and youth who access the campus daily through the oratory and other programs.
Despite its vital role in education and technical formation, the school faced serious WASH-related challenges. These included limited access to clean water, inadequate and non-gender-segregated sanitation facilities, lack of disability-friendly toilets, and insufficient hygiene education and waste management systems. These conditions posed health risks, affected school attendance, and disproportionately impacted girls and vulnerable students.
Project Goal and Objectives
The WASH Program was designed to improve the learning environment, safety, and well-being of children and staff by providing a sustainable water supply, adequate sanitation facilities, and strengthened hygiene education.
Specifically, the project aims to:
- Increase reliable access to clean and safe water for drinking and hygiene
- Improve and expand sanitation facilities with gender- and disability-sensitive designs
- Promote proper hygiene practices through education, awareness, and behaviour change initiatives
Before the WASH program Key Interventions Implemented
With donor support, the project has made significant progress across its core components:
Improved Access to Water
- Sinking of an additional borehole and maintenance of an existing faulty one to meet growing water demands
- Construction of multiple handwashing points at strategic locations across the school
- Installation of rainwater harvesting systems and water storage facilities to ensure supply during dry seasons
Upgraded Sanitation Facilities
- Renovation and separation of existing toilets with clear gender signage
- Construction of new sanitation blocks, including male and female toilets, with disability-friendly facilities to ensure inclusivity and dignity for all users
- Provision of dedicated handwashing areas attached to sanitation facilities
The upgraded facility Hygiene Promotion and Waste Management
- Distribution of waste bins across classrooms and key areas within the compound
- Introduction of waste separation practices to improve environmental hygiene
- Development of hygiene education materials, awareness signage, and guidelines incorporated into the students’ handbook
- Sensitisation of students and staff on personal hygiene, menstrual hygiene management, and proper waste disposal
Upgraded Sanitation Facilities
Impact and Beneficiaries
The WASH Program directly benefits an estimated 1,720 individuals daily, including students, staff, and beneficiaries of the youth centre. Indirect beneficiaries include participants in seasonal programs, such as summer camps, formation activities, skills training, and community events hosted on school premises.
Early observations already show improved sanitation practices, better hygiene awareness among students, and a safer, more dignified learning environment, especially for girls and children with special needs.
Upgraded Sanitation Facilities Sustainability and Accountability
The Salesians of Don Bosco have established clear structures for monitoring, evaluation, and sustainability. The PDO, working under the Provincial Economer, ensures transparent project coordination, proper documentation, and continuous supervision. Lessons learned from this project will guide future WASH interventions across other Salesian institutions in Nigeria and Niger.
Safer and more dignified learning environment Gratitude to Our Donors
We express our sincere appreciation to Salesian Missions, New Rochelle, for their generous support and trust. Your partnership has made a visible and lasting difference in the lives of young people at St. Jude Science and Technical College. The accompanying before-and-after photos clearly reflect the transformation achieved through this intervention.
Together, we continue to build safe, healthy, and child-friendly environments where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. We at the PDO wish you a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.