1st African WASH in Schools International Learning Exchange Report

The inaugural WinS ILE in Côte d’Ivoire marked a significant milestone of the WinS ILEs as it expanded its reach from South Asia and South-East Asia, where it has been an annual fixture for a decade. With the insights gleaned from this decade-long collaboration in different Asian countries and the vision to expand the event to Africa, the 1st African WinS ILE was organized by GIZ and UNICEF and hosted by the Ministry of National Education and Literacy of Côte d’Ivoire in 2023.

The primary objective of this event was to enhance regional collaboration and dedication towards ensuring equitable access to sustainable water and sanitation facilities, coupled with effective hygiene practices among all students in educational institutions. This gathering provided a unique platform to convene Ministries of Education alongside their vital partners engaged in WASH in Schools initiatives, including development partners, NGOs, and INGOs, representing the regions of East and Southern Africa, as well as West and Central Africa. Additionally, the event welcomed esteemed global partners and experts hailing from Asia, Europe, North America, and the Pacific, enriching the discourse with their diverse perspective.