At Umoja Primary School, the toilet block wasn’t always just a facility; it was a daily source of dread as 254 boys plus 271 girls, lining up outside worn-out structures that lacked privacy, cleanliness, or basic comfort.
For years, children had to deal with broken and for others, only 6 cubicles that lacked doors completely, no running water, and an overwhelming sense that their needs came second. For many girls, especially during their menstrual periods, silence and shame surrounded each school day.
For boys, overcrowded cubicles left little room for ease. Simply put, it was a daily struggle.
What students faced before
“We used to share toilets, both boys and girls. The toilets before were in a very bad place; they used to make me feel afraid because every time I went in, I thought of what could happen while I was inside,” says Gideon, a class 5 student from Umoja Primary School.
The new toilet block at Umoja Primary School
But today, everything has changed!
Walking through the newly constructed all-inclusive toilet building, a sense of pride is clear in every student’s face. Twelve spacious cubicles for girls now stand proudly, each offering not only privacy but also safety and confidence. Within the block is a dedicated room for girls: a quiet, clean, private space where they can take care of their hygiene without feeling afraid or embarrassed.
Dignity for boys and girls
Boys? They too, have their dignity restored. With four cubicles and a separate urinal space, they no longer have to wait in queues anxiously or navigate unsafe structures. A dividing wall ensures privacy for all. And for the first time ever, children with disabilities have been considered and included; a thoughtfully designed space especially made for them now welcomes them with ease.
Another class 6 student, Isaac Zebediah, happily says “I am amazed by the new toilets. They are so good, and there’s even a block that separates the boys’ side from the girls’ side. Now we don’t have to be uncomfortable anymore”.
These words echo a shared emotion across the school, not just relief, but a renewed sense of worth.
What parents say
Abel, a parent at Umoja Primary shared, “This is more than a structure. It tells our children that they matter. That their comfort and safety matter. The inside of it feels very welcoming and safe. It felt like someone really cares about our children, like they want them to succeed.”
Isn’t it a dream made real that this toilet is now a symbol of progress that speaks to inclusion, health, and human dignity? Now, every student who walks into that block walks in with their head held high.
How you can help
See more of our water and sanitation projects, meet Umoja and our other partner schools, or donate today to help transform another school in rural Arusha.