Youth Water Ambassadors Take Action for Water and Sanitation

Caritas HEWASA, a local NGO, is making a significant impact in the community of Buyangabu District through their WASH and Learn program at St. Johns Yerya Primary School. The program, which trains young people to become “Water Ambassadors”, has been instrumental in raising awareness and advocating for improved access to clean water and sanitation in the community.

Olga and Abudalla, two of the youth water ambassadors, at St. Johns Yerya Primary School have been instrumental in the program’s success. Olga shares her experience, “Before the program, our school did not have proper sanitation facilities and access to clean water. We would often get sick and miss school. But now, thanks to the WASH and Learn program, we have proper toilets and clean water, and our health has improved.”

Abudalla adds, “I never realized how important clean water and sanitation were until I became a Water Ambassador. Now, I make sure to educate my family and community about the importance of these issues and how to maintain cleanliness.”

The impact of the program is evident in the statistics. The school’s absenteeism rate has significantly decreased, and enrollment has increased since the program’s implementation. The community’s overall health has also improved, with a decrease in waterborne illnesses.

Caritas HEWASA’s WASH and Learn program is not only making a difference in the community of Buyangabu District but also empowering young people to become agents of change in their communities. The organization’s Project officer, Ms, Monica Mucunguzi, states “We are proud of the impact our program is making in the community, and we are committed to continuing to work with young people to advocate for improved access to clean water and sanitation in Uganda.”