Inclusive construction keeps girls in school and learning

UNICEF supported improved accessibility for children with disabilities by installing ramps and accessible bathrooms in the rehabilitation. Gender-appropriate bathrooms with separate stalls allowed privacy and dignity for girls.   

School safety was improved by removing electrical hazards. Fences were made safe, broken glass was removed, and security gates and window bars were put in place. A waterproofing system was installed, and maintenance and repair of electrical and lighting systems were carried out. Repairs and repainting ensured that schools were transformed into a conducive learning environments. In line with UNICEF’s efforts to reimagine education, computer laboratories were renovated in schools that required them. 
 

Reducing distance to school in rural Djibouti  

In rural contexts, schools are often far from home, and the safety risks in walking the long distance can be a significant barrier to accessing education. This is especially true for girls when street harassment or violence is prevalent. Parents who fear for their daughters’ safety may keep them from traveling outside their community.  

One solution to this problem is building school dormitories where girls can live during the term. In rural Djibouti, UNICEF is building three new rural boarding schools in Danan, Waddi and Abaitou, each with approximately 15 classrooms, a canteen, dormitories and WASH facilities. 

In addition, UNICEF is refurbishing and adding WASH facilities to five schools in the Balbala district of Djibouti City and building four early child development centres in Obock, Tadjourah, Arta, and Ali Sabieh. Solar panels and rainwater harvesting will contribute towards cost savings and environmental sustainability. Read more about UNICEF sustainable building methods. 

This project aims to encourage schooling for rural girls by giving them access to quality facilities and improving their learning environments, making it safe for them to stay in school. Around 10,000 girls in rural areas will benefit from this project. 

Investing in girls’ education transforms communities, countries and the world. Girls who receive an education are more likely to lead healthy, productive lives. They have a much better chance of earning higher incomes, participating in the decisions that most affect them and building better futures for themselves and their families.