Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi Initiates Water And Sanitation Improvements In Zanzibar Schools

H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of The Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), has directed TBHF to enhance water and sanitation facilities in 12 schools across four regions of Zanzibar. This initiative aims to foster a healthier learning environment, promote healthy living practices, and support uninterrupted education for children in these communities.

This announcement follows H.H. Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi’s recent visit to Zanzibar, where she met with Leila Mohammed Musa, Minister of Education and Vocational Training, along with other officials from key development and education sectors. During her visit, Sheikha Jawaher toured one of the schools that serves approximately 1,000 students daily but is critically underserved regarding water and sanitation facilities.

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Fully funded by TBHF and implemented by Save the Children, this project addresses pressing infrastructural and educational challenges in Zanzibar's schools. The initiative includes constructing 20 sanitation facilities across 12 primary schools and improving water access and hygiene provisions in 10 schools. It is tailored to meet age, gender, and special needs requirements.

Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi emphasised that providing education in a healthy school environment is an essential right for all children. She highlighted that initiatives aimed at enhancing education quality and accessibility are crucial for sustainable development. "Such efforts not only benefit the children and students but also lay the foundation for the long-term prosperity of entire countries and communities."

An assessment conducted in 2016 revealed that 20 percent of primary school students, particularly those with special needs, lack adequate public facilities. Additionally, 74.7 percent of schools face severe shortages of water and essential sanitation supplies. These deficiencies adversely impact the health of the school community and contribute to increased absenteeism.

The project also features an educational component aimed at raising awareness among students and parents on global water and hygiene standards while supplying essential hygiene items to ease financial pressure on families. This initiative is expected to benefit more than 21,000 students across Unguja, Kaskazini A, Kati, Pemba, Micheweni, and Mkokoni regions.

Engaging with Students

During her visit to classrooms, Sheikha Jawaher Al Qasimi engaged with several students, listening to their aspirations, needs, and primary obstacles they face in continuing their education. She also met with some students' families to gain insight into their experiences.

She stated that humanitarian projects contributing to regional and global development reflect the UAE's core vision under President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's leadership. These initiatives align with TBHF's strategic focus on key sectors driving societal transformation: education, healthcare, housing, and stability.

Sheikha Jawaher underscored that sustainable humanitarian work begins in underserved communities' schools. Here children can acquire tools needed for self-empowerment and become catalysts for shaping their societies' future.

The project aims to create a healthier learning environment by promoting awareness of healthy living practices among children in these communities. This strategic initiative supports the uninterrupted continuation of their education while addressing critical infrastructural challenges faced by Zanzibar's schools.

With inputs from WAM