PBL - 'Open defecation - its impacts and solutions'

S's of class9 @rnpodarschool did an excellent #PBL on #SwachhBharat 

Going to villages, schools, slums. Doing surveys, interviews, looking at the global scenario and comparing with India. S's handled all topics related it. 

They covered rural and urban areas, working woman and man, facilities while travelling, facilities for Watchmen and slum dwellers. School going students, especially girls. 

Understanding how not having toilets at all or no separate toilets for girls in school forces girls to not use the toilet at all in school and holding on thus leading to health problems and when they reach puberty, problems become more grieve and girls tend to drop out of school. Making our country lose precious man power. Girls who could have been an asset to have in India's growth are lost. To understand that it not only about hygiene, health but also about dignity and safety of girls and woman who do not have access to toilets.

Students spoke about environmental and health issues concerned with open defecation.They looked at the socio-cultural and economic aspects of it.

Students even addressed the need for the sanitary pad and educating girls about their use and safe disposal. The need to make them cheaper. They even spread awareness about it in schools, villages they visited and gave information about the use of other options like tampons, menstrual cups and reusable pads.These newer options and eco-friendly and economical.  

Student addressed the situation of the number of toilets in urban and rural areas and proposed solutions for them. From pee poo bags to mobile toilets, from more signs on roads to mobile apps. (and with the DISHA app for toilets on station we see it happening already... :-) ) from fewer uses of water to waterless toilets and portable toilets. Students covered an array of options.

Students compared us with countries around the world. They looked at solutions that have been used elsewhere in the world and their feasibility in India.

Students are positive about the change that will be brought in India. Students shared how NGO's and the general public is working hands in hand with state and central government. Students shared information about the initiatives taken by the government. The excellent job being done under the Swatch Bharat Abhiyan. Yes, it's a lot of work at all levels involved and all are doing it. The young and the school Young's are motivated. The future is bright...!