The project Wash in schools is an initiative of the “Instituto 4 Elementos” (Brazil) and CeTAmb Lab (Italy). The objective of the project is to improve the sanitary and environmental conditions of the public schools of Anapolis and to guarantee access to safe drinking water and sanitation. The beneficiaries of the project are the students, professors and officials of the 12 public schools of Anapolis.

The project evaluate the management WASH services (drinking water, sanitation and hygiene) in 12 schools of Anapolis to improve the health and quality of life of students, promoting a healthy environment to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The project is divided into 4 phases: 1. evaluation of Wash services through a questionnaire, interviews and physical-chemical analysis and water microbiology; 2. improve the management of wash services in the schools evaluated with limited and basic service; 3. wash training course for managers and teachers on the importance of hygiene in schools; 4. environmental education and hygiene. Another key point of the project is to improve school health facilities for students with disabilities, thus providing safe learning environments. The project will be carried out pursuing the criteria for sustainable development: Economical: possibility of generating income for the school through separate collection and sale of recyclable materials; Technological: use of local and recicled materials; Environmental: reducing the amount of waste sent to the landfill, providing quality water, and conducting environmental education; Health: providing safe drinking water (without fecal coliform), implanting in the schools dispensers with soap for washing hands. Social: use of local labor, improvement of community quality of life. Political: community participation in the decision-making process.

Partnership with CeTAmb which aim the promotion of research activities on “appropriate technologies for environment management in Developing Countries”. Capable professionals, partnerships with universities, engaging the school principals in the project, enthusiasm of volunteers, willingness to see effective change and improve children's hygiene conditions.

The project is coordinated by the Institute 4 elements. The sustainability of the project will be reconciled with the interests of the municipality and society, that is, strengthen the administrative structure of schools and formulate public policies that guarantee the adequate management of school WASH services, through the allocation of funds for maintenance and monitoring from the project. In addition, it will be articulated the participation and appropriation of the project by the community through training courses and the creation of a website. The integration between social networks will be important in order to promote the exchange of experiences, the strengthening and the replication of the project in other schools and cities.

Fondazione SIPEC, CeTAmb Lab, University of Brescia, University of Goias (UEG), Aqualit Tecnologia em Saneamento Ltda, Municipal Secretary of Education, University Fama