Collecting rainwater for schools

The project aimed to improve the learning conditions for 3,239 students in four schools in Togo and Benin, and to strengthen their self-sufficiency in terms of access to resources and ability to adapt to climate change. The project had three components: to improve access to drinking water and sanitation by constructing rainwater collecting systems and adequate toilet facilities; to reforest the area around the school and create vegetable gardens; to educate young generations in the management and protection of natural resources.

Fourteen tanks, distributed amongst the four schools, were completed and are fully functional. Each classroom was equipped with a 50-liter tank in which water is treated each morning. Toilets for girls and urinals for boys were constructed in the four institutions. Teachers, children, parents and authorities were trained in all matters relating to water management and the environment. Reforestation and the development of vegetable gardens were also completed.


Founded in Geneva in 2002, the International Rain Water Harvesting Alliance (IRHA) is a non-profit association which federates different movements, which fight for better rainwater management. Its mission is to promote rainwater harvesting as a tool for climate change adaptation.

3,239
students

Type

Health / Education / Environment / Community Development

Duration

December 2010 – June 2012

Location

Bogou and Dampiong / Togo

With whom

International Rainwater Harvesting Alliance (IRHA)

Website

www.irha-h2o.org/ A

Togo

Population
7.8 million (2017)

Per Capita Income
USD 610/year (2017)

Poverty rate *
55% (2015)

Literacy rate
64% (2016)

Human Development Index
165th out of 189 countries (2018)

Togo has made considerable progress in addressing its development challenges, though significant institutional and economic challenges remain. Poverty has been reduced, from 62% in 2006 to 55% in 2015, but remains high. The acute malnutrition rate countrywide is 5% and 30% of young children are stunted. There has been progress in universal primary education and the control of HIV/AIDS. Maternal mortality remains high, in particular due to the lack of prenatal visits, a result of low incomes and poor access to health services. Access to clean drinking water is improving, though it remains insufficient. Only 34% of the population uses clean water, due to the lack of infrastructure and unequal distribution of drinking water, despite the country's abundant water resources.

Sources: World Food Program, UNICEF, World Bank, 2016 Human Development Report, Human Development Indices and Indicators (2018 Statistical Update)

*The percentage of the population living below the national poverty line.