Latest news with #WASH
Forbes
6 days ago
- Health
- Forbes
Upholding The Rights And Well-Being of Children In South Africa
By Dadjie Saintus Reflections from a recent visit to South Africa, where UNICEF works to safeguard the lives and futures of children. Young children play outside at Risiha Program Safe Park in Johannesburg, South Africa. © UNICEF South Africa February 2025 I recently traveled with UNICEF USA partners on a program visit to South Africa. With 45 percent of the population under age 24, South Africa is a land of rich diversity, dynamic growth and complex challenges. While classified as upper-middle-income, the country grapples with deep-seated inequality rooted in its apartheid history. Today, 6 in 10 children are trapped in long-term poverty, a rate that is much higher in rural parts of the country (88 percent) compared to urban areas (44 percent). Within this context, we saw firsthand how UNICEF delivers on its promise to uphold the rights and well-being of children through critical areas including child protection, maternal and child health and safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services. We explored UNICEF-supported Safe Parks, which serve as child-friendly spaces where young people living in high-risk communities can access nutritious meals, mental health and psychosocial support, life skills training and other services. An adolescent at Risiha Program Safe Park tutors a student after school. © UNICEF South Africa February 2025 At the Risiha program in Johannesburg, we went on a tour led by adolescents who had established the Youth Forum. They knew the facilities well, having visited the park regularly since they were little. Now, these adolescents serve as mentors to the younger kids coming to the park. In our conversations, the Youth Forum leaders shared aspirations as varied as their personalities — becoming a software engineer, a musician, a doctor, a teacher. Although they faced many obstacles, including poverty and violence in their neighborhoods, the Risiha program-supported Safe Park provided a haven where they could dream of what's possible. UNICEF also protects children at risk by investing in parenting programs through community-based organizations like Mfesane and Beautiful Gate in Cape Town. In meetings at both organizations, we met social workers who aimed to strengthen the capacities of caregivers to create nurturing homes. The social workers explained how they take a case management approach — caregivers are equipped with positive parenting skills while families participate in group and individual counseling sessions. I joined one of the adolescent groups where some of the youth affirmed that since participating in the sessions, they have been communicating better with their parents at home. At Mfesane, UNICEF USA visitors join a meeting with local leaders before playing with youth at a Safe Park. © UNICEF South Africa February 2025 For the social workers working with families through trauma, joblessness, health problems or other crises, burnout was a real concern. But, as they find ways to deal with the demands of their work, one social worker shared that seeing progress in the way parents and children relate to each other keeps her going. Across the country, UNICEF works with the government and community partners to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and set children up for a better start in life. In Johannesburg, I saw this work in action at the Maria Rantho Clinic, which seeks to improve maternal and child health and nutrition as well as reduce HIV transmission. Supported by UNICEF for many years, the clinic became so effective that it was transitioned to and is now funded by the national government. Health workers and administrators from the Maria Rantho Clinic in Johannesburg welcome visitors from UNICEF USA. © UNICEF South Africa February 2025 Its work is all the more critical given that South Africa has one of the highest HIV burdens in the world. Yet, in our meetings, the health workers revealed how they have kept mother-to-child HIV transmission rates consistently at 0 percent. Alongside the medical care provided, one factor contributing to these results is a peer mentor program that trains young mothers aged 15-25 who have received care at the clinic. As peer mentors, these mothers provide health education and psychosocial support services, including sexual and reproductive health, to empower other pregnant adolescent girls and young mothers. These relationships are a lifeline. One mother told us that when she had experienced depression during her pregnancy, her peer mentor connected her to the services and provided the emotional support she needed to deliver her baby safely. She continues to attend sessions today with her peer mentor, bringing along her son, who remains healthy at age 2. In rural areas like the flood-prone provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, communities lack access to safe water, hygiene, and sanitation (WASH). In these regions, UNICEF crosses the last mile to develop WASH infrastructure and climate-adaptive solutions. At a junior school, UNICEF introduces interventions to enhance WASH infrastructure and build climate resilience. © UNICEF South Africa February 2025 In Mthatha and East London, we toured two junior schools where UNICEF is working with partners to deliver safe water and sanitation while introducing innovations like low-pressure toilets to conserve water and promote sustainability. In talking with school officials on our visit, Irfan Akhtar, UNICEF South Africa's Deputy Representative and Chief of Programs, proposed creating a locally-led water management committee. Based on a model that worked well in similar contexts, UNICEF staff would train committee members to operate the water system so they could maintain it over the long term. Support from donors and partners is what makes UNICEF's impact in South Africa and around the world possible. It is what allows UNICEF to scale what works and reach millions of children and adolescents with essential services. Threaded across the programs we experienced were interactions with collaborating organizations, community leaders and ministry officials. In these meetings, Irfan Akthar listened as local leaders discussed barriers and best practices to serving families and children, chiming in to offer effective interventions he has observed or relevant UNICEF data. He also identified opportunities to incorporate their feedback in UNICEF's conversations with governments and multilateral institutions at global forums. In this way, UNICEF advocates for governments to adopt a child-centric approach in their policies, plans and budgets. This strategy has resulted in many achievements across South Africa, including: These are just some examples of how, through multi-sector partnerships and strategic advocacy, UNICEF is helping to make children a priority at all levels of government, thus ensuring that governments invest in more and better services that benefit them. Whether in the townships of the inner cities, settlements near the coast or in rural villages, with the help of valued donors and partners, UNICEF won't stop working on the front lines to safeguard the lives and futures of children in South Africa and around the world. Learn more about UNICEF programs for children in South Africa Help UNICEF reach more children in need. Please donate today. Dadjie Saintus is a Senior Director of Philanthropy for UNICEF USA
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. Announces Quarterly Dividend
WESTERLY, R.I., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc., (NASDAQ: WASH), today declared a quarterly dividend of 56 cents per share for the quarter ending June 30, 2025. The dividend will be paid July 11, 2025 to shareholders of record on July 1, 2025. ABOUT WASHINGTON TRUST BANCORP, Trust Bancorp, Inc. ("the Corporation), NASDAQ: WASH, is the publicly-owned holding company of The Washington Trust Company ("Washington Trust", "the Bank"), with $6.6 billion in assets as of March 31, 2025. Founded in 1800, Washington Trust is recognized as the oldest community bank in the nation, the largest state-chartered bank headquartered in Rhode Island and one of the Northeast's premier financial services companies. Washington Trust values its role as a community bank and is committed to helping the people, businesses, and organizations of New England improve their financial lives. The Bank offers a wide range of commercial banking, mortgage banking, personal banking and wealth management services through its offices in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts and a full suite of convenient digital tools. Washington Trust is a member of the FDIC and an equal housing lender. For more information, visit the Corporation's website at or the Bank's website at View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Washington Trust Bancorp, Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
The Star
12-06-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Nine-province, US$95mil sanitation infrastructure project breaks ground
PHNOM PENH: The Ministry of Rural Development has officially launched a major construction and rehabilitation project which focuses on clean water supply and rural sanitation. The initiative, which targets nine provinces, has a total budget of more than US$95 million. The June 10 inauguration ceremony was presided over by rural development minister Chhay Rithisen, at Veal Den Secondary School in Veal Den village, Anlong Chrey commune, in Stung Treng province's Thala Barivat district. Ministry spokesman Pit Karuna noted on June 11 that the groundbreaking in Stung Treng was held simultaneously with eight other provinces. The project is scheduled for completion in 2026, as part of the Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene Improvement Sector Development Programme. Tith Sophea, programme director, explained that the total budget is US$95.14 million. The Cambodian government is contributing US$2.14 million, while the remaining US$93 million is being financed through concessional loans and grants from the Asian Development Bank. As part of the US$93 million, a US$3 million grant comes from the Japan Fund for Prosperous and Resilient Asia and the Pacific. The overall programme is being implemented over five years, from 2024 to 2029, in nine target provinces: Battambang, Pailin, Banteay Meanchey, Oddar Meanchey, Preah Vihear, Stung Treng, Kratie, Kampong Speu and Kampot. It will benefit approximately 88,000 households in 400 villages across 50 communes. During the Stung Treng ceremony, Rithisen reiterated that the Ministry will continue to implement the National Action Plan on rural water supply, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). Currently, the coverage rate for clean water and sanitation across the country stands at 92 per cent. Specifically, 89 per cent of rural areas have access to basic clean water, and 95 per cent have access to basic sanitation services. He also noted that 21 provinces and capital have achieved Open Defecation Free status — both standard and enhanced levels — including Stung Treng. The Minister highlighted broad progress across all sectors, including security, public order, economy, social affairs and culture. He emphasised improvements in people's living conditions, especially through enhanced access to clean water and sanitation services. These services have improved public health, encouraged people to consume clean water, and helped establish civilised hygiene habits, such as proper toilet use. The groundbreaking event was attended by almost 900 participants. They included Phay Bunchhoeun, Minister Delegate attached to the Prime Minister and Head of the Government's Task Force for Stung Treng, senior officials from the Ministry of Rural Development, Cheang Lak, chairman of the Provincial Council and Stung Treng provincial governor Sor Soputra. Also present were members of the provincial council, representatives from provincial programme implementers, development partners, and representatives of both national and international organisations. The Rural Water Supply, Sanitation, and Hygiene Improvement Sector Development Programme supports government efforts to provide universal access to safely managed water supply services and basic hygiene facilities in rural areas and improve access to safely managed sanitation facilities, while also addressing affordability. It helps finance the expansion of WASH facilities in the provinces where poor rural residents face the greatest challenges in accessing safe water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
Scoop
07-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Enhancing Rural Resilience: Lumiboso Village Benefits From New And Improved Water System
Suva, Fiji (June 5, 2025) - A total of 111 residents across 23 households in Lumiboso Village, in the Cakaudrove Province, Vanua Levu, now have access to safe drinking water and improved sanitation, thanks to the 'Improvement of Water Supply and Sanitary Environment' project. Habitat for Humanity Fiji, in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Fiji, delivered a comprehensive upgrade to the village's water supply system funded through Japan's Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects. The funding support of over FJD300,000, enabled us to construct a new dam catchment at the community's water source, install fittings and distribution pipelines, and secure the placement of water tanks on concrete bases. Infrastructural challenges were overcome by suspending pipes across stream crossings, extending the reticulation line to newly established village boundaries, and installing household water connections. In addition, nine new Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities were constructed, each equipped with septic tanks and soak pits, providing safer sanitation options for the community. To increase household access to safe drinking water, rainwater harvesting systems with first flush devices were also installed, offering an alternative during dry periods. To ensure long term sustainability and community ownership, Habitat for Humanity Fiji conducted maintenance and operational training sessions that included basic plumbing and financial literacy, equipping residents with the knowledge to manage and maintain the new and improved infrastructure. Prior to this intervention, Lumiboso Village had no access to a government water supply system and relied on a single, unprotected water source. The initial WASH infrastructure constructed in the late 80s had deteriorated following years of service and a lack of maintenance. "The successful completion of the water and sanitation project in Lumiboso Village marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to improve the living conditions of vulnerable communities in Fiji. Access to clean water and adequate sanitation is fundamental to public health, human dignity, and sustainable development. We are grateful for the partnership with the Embassy of Japan whose generous support has enabled this critical intervention. We remain committed to supporting the Government of Fiji's development priorities, particularly in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, by delivering impactful and sustainable solutions at the grassroots level', says Sangita Kumar, Head of Regional Development, Habitat for Humanity Fiji 'This WASH project is not only expected to significantly contribute to improving the living standards of the people in Lumiboso village, but also to strengthen the relationship between Fiji and Japan. Access to safe water and sanitation is fundamental to people's health, education, and economic activities. Through this project, we hope for a brighter future for the children of this village', says Chika Inoue, Second Secretary, Embassy of Japan. 'At the same time, this project will be an important step in deepening the friendship between our two countries. This project, realized through the cooperation of both countries, is a joint effort toward sustainable development for the future, and we hope it will become a symbol of friendship between the people of both nations', she adds.
Hans India
31-05-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Tata Trusts Rewrites Period Narratives with Bold New Menstruation Campaign: Reframes Periods as a Sign of Health, Not Fertility
In a bold departure from long-held societal narratives, Tata Trusts has unveiled a unique campaign to reframe how India understands menstruation. Every month, roughly 355 million people in India menstruate. Yet, the subject remains shrouded in silence and shame and is linked to impurity, drawing societal stigma and burdened by age-old beliefs that link periods to fertility and marriage. In fact, 71% of Indian girls are unaware of menstruation until they experience their first period. For generations, this silence has shaped how menstruation is understood, reducing it to a marker of sexual maturity or the end of childhood, rather than recognizing it as a normal biological function. This campaign flips that narrative, inviting families to recognize menstruation for what it truly is: an indicator of health. Rooted in deep ethnographic research conducted across rural regions in Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat, this campaign is anchored in a combination of Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) across seven states, with a series of cause-driven campaign films and development interventions on-ground that shift the ways in which communities understand, feel and talk about menstruation. Given the universality of the insight, the campaign also has a strong digital presence. The research explored women's lived realities of restrictions in matters of personal hygiene and healthy menstrual practices. It also uncovered social norms surrounding menstruation, with mothers avoiding the conversation, fearing that their daughters will be seen as 'ready for marriage' – a worry also echoed by Anganwadi Workers. Men shared limited menstrual awareness, often seeing it through the lens of household disruptions – like how it would affect women's cooking. However, they did show support when prompted, including getting their wives pads and taking them to the doctor when needed. Shaped by a talented team of behavioural researchers and grassroots and creative partners, this campaign seeks to empowers girls to remain children even after their first period, and women to feel confident and well-informed, with nothing left to fear or hide about this natural monthly process. Divyang Waghela, Head – Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Tata Trusts, commented, 'The lack of reliable access to water and private spaces – whether to bathe, change, or dispose pads – makes it difficult for girls to manage their periods with safety and dignity. Lack of infrastructure and agency compound this problem. Built on the Trusts' rich work in menstrual health and hygiene, and considering how deeply entrenched stigmas remain, we strive to tackle barriers around infrastructure, belief systems, and environments perpetuating them. Through this, girls can view periods as a normal part of health, not something to be hidden away.' These insights laid the foundation for Tata Trusts' campaign that presents a disruptive, perspective-shifting goal: for periods to be seen as a marker of health and not just sexual maturity. At the heart of the campaign, running across the series of films as a common thread, is a catchy jingle, 'Maheena Aa gaya' (In this case, Maheena – month – refers to Periods, translating to, 'I've got my periods'). It acts as a cultural bridge, bringing to life everyday scenarios where menstrual symptoms, whether cramps, fatigue, or mood changes, are acknowledged openly by both men and women only as a lakshan (symbol) of health and nothing more. By making these conversations feel comfortable, respectful, and even light-hearted, the campaign aims to de-stigmatize menstruation and create space for empathetic dialogue within families. Deepshikha Surendran, Head of Brand and Marketing Communications, Tata Trusts, said, "Through this social behaviour change communication campaign, using on-ground interventions and awareness films, we're encouraging communities to see periods as a barometer of health and to respond with empathy and not misplaced ideas of sexual maturity. 'Maheena aa gaya' is more than just flipping a calendar page – it's a symbolic call to action, urging families to rethink what a period means, which we hope will nudge a generational, cultural shift in how menstruation is supported.' The hero film is supported by emotionally resonant films specific to key segments of audiences that shape everyday beliefs around menstruation. In one, a mother lovingly guides her daughter through her first period, explaining that it's simply biology, not a sign of readiness for marriage and that there is nothing to fear or be ashamed of. Another depicts a husband ensuring his wife's needs during menstruation are met without waiting for her to ask because periods are not just her problem. In another film, a mother-in-law gently supports her daughter-in-law, encouraging her to rest and eat iron-rich food while reminding her, "Yeh siraf sehat ka ek lakshan hai' (this is only about health). These stories, told with warmth and emotional honesty, in real settings, replace fear with familiarity and shame with science. To ensure that the message percolates into conversations at a societal level, another film targeting Asha didis and other health workers, who are the bridge between the community and healthcare system, has been developed. "We're not asking people to radically shift their thinking – simply, to understand that a period is just a 'lakshan' — a symptom, like hair loss. Capturing this, we created a simple, light film that we shot in people's aangans and homes, with a powerful, memorable song with a hook rooted in Indian pop culture, offering an important reminder: 'Maheene ko sirf sehat se jodo' (link that time of the month – menstruation – to only health),' added Creative Director Keigan Pinto The films can be viewed across Tata Trusts' digital platforms, including on YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook.
