Clean water, basic toilets and good hygiene practices are essential for the survival and development of children. Today, several people do not use improved sanitation, and majority have limited access to improved water sources.
Without these basic needs, the lives of millions of children are at risk. For children under five, water- and sanitation-related diseases are one of the leading causes of death. Every day, over 800 children (with the majority in third world countries like Uganda) die from preventable diseases caused by poor water, and a lack of sanitation and hygiene.
Shine with Skill’s water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) team works in over 100 countries worldwide to improve water and sanitation services, as well as basic hygiene practices.
This project aims to reduce morbidity and mortality resulting from waterborne diseases by increasing access to safe water, sanitation and better hygiene practices among displaced and other vulnerable communities in counties most affected by the current conflict, counties most affected by disease outbreaks such as cholera, counties with high levels of malnutrition and food insecurity.
Shine with Skills aims to provide access to safe water in communities suffering from malnutrition above emergency thresholds for IDPs (Internally Displaced Peoples) as well as the vulnerable host communities impacted by the presence of IDPs through context specific technologies such as surface water treatment systems and sustainable Point of Use water treatment solutions appropriate for a highly mobile population. We also target to provide means for safe excreta disposal through the installation of gender appropriate sanitation facilities and will conduct hygiene promotion activities to support effective behavior change.
Beneficiaries of the Project
Conflict affected girls, boys, women and men who have been internally displaced as well as vulnerable host communities impacted by these displaced persons will be the main beneficiaries of this project. Shine with Skills carries out needs assessments before responding to emergencies to ensure that critical humanitarian needs are identified, the most vulnerable population groups receive adequate assistance and to gauge how any potential intervention could influence ongoing conflict.
We work through existing local structures and builds their capacity which includes the training of community water management committees, pump mechanics and health and hygiene promoters.
We seeks to provide public information to the beneficiaries about the programmes provided through local government, community outreach and facility based awareness and WASH promotion activities. Our Emergency response assessments include key informant interviews and focus group discussions among community groups with adequate representation of women, youth and the elderly.