Project part of the Salesian Missions ‘Clean Water Initiative’

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries were able to complete a water project at the Don Bosco Secondary School, located in Onitsha, Nigeria, thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco. The project is part of the Salesian WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) program and funded by the Salesian Missions “Clean Water Initiative”. The project impacts 450 students at the school, 500 youth who use the youth center and 45 staff, as well as 1,340 members of the community who use the compound for training, summer camp, vocational training, formative programs and more.

With the funding, an additional borehole was installed, and the existing one was maintained. This significantly increased the availability of potable water within the compound. Enhanced hand-washing stations have been constructed at strategic locations, facilitating better hygiene practices among students and others. The project also included a total bathroom renovation with more toilets and sinks.

In addition, funding allowed for minor repairs of 18 classrooms, improving safety and comfort for learners. Salesians also installed solar lighting in various areas of the compound, enhancing visibility and security, especially at night.

A Salesian noted, “The local community expressed great satisfaction with the project and actively participated throughout its implementation. Many members generously contributed their time and resources, while some volunteered to assist with labor-related tasks. Their involvement was instrumental in the successful execution of the project and reflects a strong spirit of solidarity and ownership.”

Mike Okechukwu, a senior at the school, said the project had a great impact on students. He explained, “Before the construction of the new WASH facilities, we faced serious challenges. The old facilities were few, often overcrowded and difficult to maintain due to their deteriorated condition. Water flow was inconsistent, which made it hard to keep the environment clean. Students with physical disabilities also struggled, as the previous setup did not accommodate their needs. With the recent upgrade, everything has changed for the better. We now have easy access to clean toilets, hand-washing basins and waste bins placed around the school compound. The new facilities have significantly improved hygiene and the overall standard of our school.”

He added, “Students with physical challenges can now use the facilities comfortably, and they are truly happy about this inclusion. When our parents visited, they were very impressed with the transformation. I’ve shared this experience with my friends in other schools, and many of them wish for similar improvements in their own learning environments. We are deeply grateful to Salesian Missions for bringing such a meaningful development to our school. May God bless you abundantly.”

About 64% of households in Nigeria consider themselves to be poor while 32% of households say their economic situation had worsened over a period of one year, according to UNICEF. Poverty still remains one of the most critical challenges facing the country and population growth rates have meant a steady increase in the number of people living in conditions of poverty.

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Photo courtesy of Salesian Missions (contact for usage permissions)

Salesian Missions – Nigeria

UNICEF – Nigeria