Better Water, Hygiene for Schools

Government and NGO collaboration to safeguard student health and learning

By Francis Maingaila ♥️ 

Lusaka, Zambia24 – 12th February 2026

The Government of Zambia has partnered with international NGO Splash to improve access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in urban schools. 

The initiative is aimed at providing better water and hygiene facilities to safeguard the health and learning environment of students.

Dr. Kelvin Mambwe, Permanent Secretary for Educational Services, said the partnership marks a milestone in strengthening learning environments.

Dr. Mambwe welcomed the collaboration, describing it as a critical step toward achieving sustainable development goals and ensuring public investments deliver lasting benefits to communities, Dr. Mambwe added.

“The signing of this MoU reflects our shared commitment to ensuring every child learns in a safe, healthy, and dignified environment,” Dr. Mambwe said.

“The partnership will deliver measurable improvements in school water, sanitation, and hygiene services, benefiting thousands of learners in the targeted districts,” he added.

“Access to safe water, proper sanitation, and hygiene facilities protects learners’ health, dignity, and academic performance,” Dr. Mambwe said. 

“The government is committed to ensuring every child learns in a safe and supportive environment.”

He added that the initiative will target schools in Lusaka, Ndola, and Kitwe, with Splash working alongside the Ministry of Education from planning to implementation.

“This initiative will improve education quality, increase learner retention, promote equity—especially for girls—and build sustainable, resilient infrastructure,” Dr. Mambwe said.

“The MoU outlines clear roles, co-financing arrangements, and shared accountability, with a focus on evidence-based implementation,” he added.

Dr. Mambwe said, “We will prioritize durable, climate-resilient infrastructure and strengthen capacity at national and sub-national levels to ensure government ownership beyond the project cycle.”

Mr. Eric Stowe, President of Splash International, expressed delight in the partnership and praised the government’s commitment to free education and safe learning environments.

“Our organisation will support the Zambian government in developing climate-resilient infrastructure, strengthening institutional capacity, and ensuring sustained government financing and ownership of key projects,” Mr. Stowe said.

He added, “The initiative will integrate climate adaptation measures into infrastructure projects and provide technical expertise to government institutions to manage and maintain these projects effectively.”

Mr. Stowe also said Splash International will introduce innovative solutions in WASH management to complement government efforts, fostering safer and healthier learning environments for students.

“I have no doubt this partnership will greatly improve water, sanitation, and hygiene services, safeguarding the well-being of learners in our targeted districts,” Mr. Stowe said.