Building Dignity Through Partnership: ActionAid Ghana Delivers Fully Functional WASH Facility to Kalariga and Kunyevila Community School

Access to safe and adequate sanitation extends the matter of infrastructure — it is a matter of dignity, health, and human rights. On July 16, ActionAid Ghana’s Northern Regional Programme, in partnership with local authorities, school leadership, and community stakeholders, handed over two fully functional WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) facilities to schools in Kalariga and Kunyevila in the Northern Region.

 This symbolic handover marked a milestone in our shared commitment to protecting children's rights and advancing gender responsive public service through community-led development. 

A Step Toward Safer Learning Environments 

The lack of safe and accessible sanitation facilities in many rural schools continues to be a barrier to education, especially for girls. At both schools, pupils and teachers previously relied on inadequate and unsafe alternatives that undermined their wellbeing and ability to learn or teach with dignity. 

“With the new WASH facility, our pupils—especially the girls—can now attend school with confidence,” said a visibly emotional headteacher at the Kalariga school. “It may look like just a structure, but to us, it means health, dignity, and opportunity.” 

Built with the People, for the People

 What made this intervention particularly powerful was the participatory approach taken from the outset. Community members were actively involved in identifying needs, shaping priorities, and overseeing implementation. Traditional leaders and assembly representatives played a crucial role in mobilising local support, while school authorities ensured the facilities aligned with student needs. 

This collaboration reaffirms ActionAid Ghana’s commitment to people-powered development — solutions that are owned, driven, and sustained by communities themselves. 

WASH Is a Right, Not a Privilege 

At ActionAid Ghana, we believe that access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene is a basic human right, not a luxury. WASH facilities are foundational to achieving education, gender equality, and health goals across Ghana. 

Speaking at the handing over ceremony, the regional programmes manager, Madam Esther Boateng, emphasised that “This handover is not the end — it is part of a bigger journey toward equity and justice. We remain committed to ensuring that no child is denied education or dignity because of where they live or go to school.” 

Looking Ahead While we celebrate this progress

 As part of our 35th Anniversary, AAG is partnering communities to increase possibility and  claim rights. We are also reminded that many communities across the country still lack access to adequate WASH infrastructure. That’s why we are calling on government agencies, development partners, and civil society to prioritise investments in inclusive and sustainable sanitation systems, especially in underserved rural areas. 

The story of Kalariga and Kunyevila shows us that when we work together — across sectors, communities, and roles — we can make change real and lasting. Together, we are creating safer learning environments, restoring dignity, and ensuring that no child is left behind because of inadequate sanitation.
This is how we build lasting change through partnership, participation, and people power.

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