UNICEF and Germany support school managers in improving water, sanitation and hygiene standards
Chișinău, November 6, 2025. Sixty managers and deputy directors from 30 educational institutions across various districts of the Republic of Moldova participated today in the workshop “Efficient Management of WASH Facilities Workshop for School Management”. The event aimed to strengthen participants’ capacity to organize, monitor, and maintain sanitary blocks in line with public health standards and preventive maintenance principles.
The workshop sought to promote a culture of efficient management of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) infrastructure in schools to ensure a safe, clean, and dignified environment for students and staff. Participants examined the role of WASH facilities in protecting students’ health, the types and frequency of required inspections, cleaning and disinfection methods, as well as the planning and budgeting of preventive maintenance activities.
The training sessions combined theoretical presentations with practical exercises focused on identifying concrete solutions for maintaining school infrastructure. Through interactive activities, participants learned how to develop inspection plans, manage resources efficiently, and document maintenance work using standardized tools and checklists.
“WASH is about people and potential. It is about a child’s confidence and a parent’s assurance that their son or daughter can study in a school with safe and well-maintained water and sanitation facilities. A school cannot be truly ‘smart’ if its sanitary facilities are outdated or inaccessible. Clean water and quality sanitation protect health, reduce absenteeism, especially among girls, and foster respect and dignity within the school environment”, said Maha Damaj, UNICEF Country Representative in Moldova.
"Through joint efforts with our partners, the Ministry of Education and Research is investing in the modernization of school sanitation facilities. Equally important is ensuring that these spaces are efficiently managed and properly maintained to provide a clean, safe, and dignified environment for students and teachers. Such an approach contributes to the health and well-being of the entire school community", said Valentina Olaru, State Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Research.
In her remarks, Verena Zell, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, emphasized the importance of investing in school infrastructure and engaging students in maintaining hygiene conditions:
“Renovating sanitation facilities in Moldova’s schools is the first important step, and I hope, this project serves as a model for nationwide expansion. But to ensure the sustainability of these measures, we need to involve the entire school community, sharing the responsibility to maintain the new facilities.”
The workshop is part of the project “Strengthening Social Services and National Systems for Vulnerable and Refugee Children in the Republic of Moldova”, implemented by UNICEF and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) through a grant of EUR 11.5 million provided via the German Development Bank (KfW).
Through this partnership, UNICEF is improving water and sanitation conditions in schools across the country by rehabilitating water supply systems, constructing sanitary blocks, and implementing a practical guide for school managers on the sustainable operation and maintenance of these facilities. The initiative contributes to creating a safe, healthy, and inclusive learning environment for every child in the Republic of Moldova.
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