UNICEF Pacific

“Before this facility was built, we had to walk quite a distance whenever we needed to use the toilet. Most of the time, we would go along the beach or into the bushes, with separate areas for boys and girls,” says Francina Rapeka, a Grade 6 student at Bokolonga Primary School in Ngella, Central Islands Province, Solomon Islands.

“Now we are very happy because the toilet is right near our classrooms. It is much more convenient, and I believe it will help us stay in school and concentrate better in class."

For many girls, the lack of proper sanitation facilities was especially difficult during menstruation. Some would leave school and return home, missing classes for days at a time because they did not have a safe and private place to manage their hygiene needs.

That is now changing, as more than 4,000 students and teachers now have safe, accessible and child-friendly toilets and hygiene facilities just steps from their classrooms.

With support from the Australian Government through the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), UNICEF, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development - MEHRD, has completed 26 Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in Schools facilities across Central Islands Province.

By improving access to water, sanitation and hygiene, the programme is helping create a healthier and more supportive learning environment where every child, especially girls, can attend school regularly, participate fully in class, and reach their potential.

Australian High Commission, Solomon Islands

Today, on World Day for Assistive Technology, UNICEF joins partners across the Pacific and around the world in championing equitable access to assistive technology, products and services that support vision, hearing, mobility and communication.

Access to assistive technology can transform lives, helping children learn, participate in their communities and reach their full potential.

Through the Unlock Healthy Learning – SPARK FSM Project, supported by ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology and the Government of Australia, UNICEF is supporting the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia to strengthen assistive technology services, so that every child has the opportunity to learn, participate and thrive.