Impact Story: A New Chapter of Health and Hygiene in Agung Community School

In Unyama Sub-county, Gulu District, at Agung Community School, the lack of safe and hygienic sanitation was a major challenge for many years. Both pupils and teachers relied on outdated and poorly built latrines that were unsafe to use. The structures were made of cracked wooden materials, had unstable walls, lacked proper ventilation and did not provide handwashing facilities.  During the rainy season, some of the latrines would flood or even collapse forcing learners and teachers to resort to using nearby bushes. This exposed the pupils to frequent illnesses linked to poor sanitation such as diarrhea. At times, pupils were forced to miss lessons because the school latrine was filled up, unclean, and was too dangerous to use. The absence of adequate sanitation facilities impacted more than just their health: it undermined dignity and self-confidence, especially for girls.

Today, everything has changed:

Because of your generous donations and support through GMP, a new, safe and well-constructed latrine now stands in Agung Community School. It is clean, ventilated, and built with durable materials. It provides privacy, safety and dignity for everyone, especially girls who will use it during menstruation. Handwashing facilities are supplied, encouraging better hygiene practices and reducing the risk of disease.  Now, children are attending school more regularly while practicing proper hygiene with greater awareness and confidence.

The LC1 of Agung Community, Mr Okello Thomas, shared:

“Before this latrine was built, we feared for our children’s health. The old one was dangerous and unhygienic. Now we feel safe. Our children are healthier and we are proud of our sanitation facilities. On behalf of the entire community of Agung, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to GMP and the donors for their unwavering support for the school to have a safe, clean and durable latrine’’.

Your support has not only built a structure, it has restored dignity, improved health, and increased hope for a better future among the schoolchildren of Agung community.