Why Madagascar?

One of the Most Water-Scarce Countries

Madagascar is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, with over 50% of primary schools lacking basic water services and 70% without handwashing facilities. This water crisis impacts over 3.5 million school-aged children.

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1 in 3 schools has access to safe drinking water
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80% of schools lack gender-separated toilets
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20% of schools have soap and functioning handwashing stations

📊 DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT

This disproportionately affects girls, who often drop out when they begin menstruating due to lack of privacy and hygiene facilities.

UNICEF's WASH in Schools Program

Creating Child-Friendly, Sustainable Environments

UNICEF's WinS program in Madagascar is designed not just to install taps and toilets, but to create child-friendly, sustainable environments where hygiene is taught, practiced, and normalized.

Infrastructure

Construction of clean water points, handwashing stations, and latrines

MHM Support

Menstrual hygiene management kits and training for adolescent girls

Education

Health and hygiene education integrated into school curricula

Community

Community involvement in maintaining and protecting facilities

2025 Achievements in Rural Madagascar

Transforming Schools Across the Island

UNICEF's comprehensive approach has yielded remarkable results across rural Madagascar, creating lasting change in communities where water was once a luxury.

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900+ schools equipped with clean water access
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1,800 gender-separated latrines installed
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350,000+ children now able to wash their hands at school
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65,000 girls supported through MHM workshops and kits
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85% of facilities still operational after 3 years

🎯 SUSTAINABILITY SUCCESS

85% of facilities are still operational after 3 years—thanks to local maintenance training and community ownership programs.

Before, we used to go in the bush. Now we have clean toilets, and I can come to school every day—even when I have my period.

— Mialy, 13, Student at a UNICEF-supported school in Fianarantsoa

Girl washing hands
Clean hands, healthy future—UNICEF brings dignity and hygiene to classrooms in Madagascar
Students with water tank
Water is life—and for these students, it's also a reason to stay in school

Why This Matters—Especially for Girls

Breaking Barriers to Education

When schools lack toilets or water, girls are the first to suffer. They miss school during menstruation, face embarrassment, and are more likely to drop out permanently. Access to WASH isn't just a health issue—it's about equality, empowerment, and educational opportunity.

Attendance Crisis

Girls miss 5+ days of school monthly during menstruation

Dropout Risk

Higher likelihood of permanent school abandonment

Safety Concerns

Lack of privacy creates vulnerability and embarrassment

Gender Inequality

Perpetuates educational and economic disparities

The Ripple Effect of WASH in Schools

Beyond the Classroom Walls

UNICEF's WASH efforts in Madagascar aren't just changing schools—they're changing mindsets, habits, and futures. The impact extends far beyond the classroom, creating waves of positive change throughout entire communities.

Higher Attendance

Especially for girls during menstruation

Fewer Illnesses

Reduced diarrhea and worm infections

Better Performance

Improved focus and academic results

Community Impact

Students bring hygiene knowledge home

How You Can Help

Every contribution makes a difference in bringing clean water and dignity to Madagascar's classrooms. Join us in transforming education through WASH.

Donate £10

Provide soap and hygiene kits to a classroom for a month

WASH Day Campaign

Run a "WASH Day" awareness campaign at your school

Hygiene Packs

Create and send "Back to School Hygiene Packs" through UNICEF

Social Media

Share UNICEF's #CleanClassrooms campaign online

Final Thought

A school with clean water and toilets is a school that says: "You matter. You are safe. You belong here."

In rural Madagascar, UNICEF is proving that sometimes, the most powerful tool in education isn't a textbook—it's a working tap.