Informations et ressources scientifiques
sur le développement des zones arides et semi-arides

Titre : Ethiopia : Mainstreaming Blue Schools in the Oromia Region, Guji and Bale Zones

Pays : Ethiopie
Localisation : Oromia Region, Guji and Bale Zones

Date/ Durée : 01.03.2020 – 31.07.2022

Descriptif
With over 100 million inhabitants, Ethiopia is one of the most populous countries in Africa. Despite strong economic growth in recent years, more than a third of the population still lives below the poverty line of 2 US$ / day. In addition to poverty, the area in the south of Ethiopia is highly affected by violent ethnic and political conflicts. The conflicts lead to large numbers of internally displaced persons (IDPs) who are dependent on humanitarian aid, livelihood support and food aid. In addition to food shortages – due to recurrent droughts and ongoing conflicts – lack of access to water and sanitation is a major and persistent problem in the region. Nearly 7 million people in Ethiopia live without access to adequate water and sanitation services (UNICEF, 2018). The pressure on scarce resources is further exacerbated by high and rapidly changing numbers of IDPs. Local authorities are facing major challenges in maintaining, improving or expanding Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure. As a result, sanitary facilities in institutions, such as schools, are often inexistant, dysfunctional or operate very poorly, especially in rural areas. Women and girls are particularly affected by poor access to water ; for instance, as they have to walk long distances to fetch water. Since girls are traditionally strongly involved in household chores, adequate WASH services are a crucial factor in the decision whether a girl can permanently attend school or not. As a result of their absence from school, girls are subsequently also put at greater risk of child marriages and early pregnancies.

Key Partners and Stakeholders : This project is implemented directly by Caritas Switzerland. Key stakeholders are government line offices at Woreda, zonal, regional and federal level, other NGOs, as well as head teachers, teachers, parent committees, and health clubs, among others.

Budget (in CHF) : F 501’941

Swiss Water & Sanitation Consortium