Improving Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (Wash) in Rural Secondary Schools with Special Reference to Girl Children at Tsvingwe High School, Manicaland

The study sought to investigate the effects of poor W.A.S.H programmes at Tsvingwe High School, Penhalonga in Manicaland. A sample of 60 pupils was engaged using the stratified random sampling from a population of approximately 600 pupils. Data gathering tools used for the study were questionnaires, interviews and observation guides. Data from the instruments was presented in the form of tables, pie charts and bar graphs. The analysis and interpretation of data was done followed by discussion of results. The study revealed that most pupils at the school had a tendency of throwing litter anywhere in the school compounds. Also classrooms were not being properly cleaned, and some pupils exhibited some unhygienic practices such as coming to school in dirty uniform.  From the findings, it was established that lack of proper hygiene education and dwindled water supplies at the schools made it more difficult for the pupils, more so to the girl child. The single water tape at the school supplies water for all purposes such as drinking and washing for both teachers the pupils. It was also noted that most girl children absented themselves from schools during their monthly periods for fear of water shortages at the school. The study recommends that health, and hygiene education be taught to pupils at Tsvingwe High School and other schools around including residents in the surrounding area of Penhalonga. There is need for N.G.O s to fully support W.A.S.H programmes and raise awareness in schools, colleges and communities and provide more water facilities. The school administrators must strive to build more toilets and to provide adequate water supply for pupils to drink and wash.