As part of IMV’s initiative to improve access to water and sanitation in the suburban commune of Kieu Ky (Gia Lam district), numerous hygiene awareness-raising activities were conducted. Among the most significant was a campaign conducted with children right at school. The commune has a total of 1,875 students enrolled in school. The 700 primary school pupils are now receiving education throughout the school year on drinking water, hygiene and sanitation. However, working against what the pupils are being taught is the fact that the current sanitary conditions of the school’s toilettes are not up to the hygiene standards of Vietnam and need to be completely refurbished. Wastewater from the toilettes is currently running untreated into a discharge channel.

In 2009-2010, plans call for the construction of a new sani-station with septic tanks up to Vietnamese standards in the primary school.

In the long run, this project will enable the children and teachers to enjoy decent sanitary conditions and to truly be in a position to apply the recommendations taught.