More than 160 sanitary blocks in schools will be renovated by 2026. The renovations will be carried out by the National Office for Regional and Local Development (ONDRL) and several development partners in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Research.
In 2024, ONDRL renovated sanitary blocks in 18 schools using state budget funds. A total of 17.2 million lei was allocated for these works. Additionally, training sessions were organized on the proper use and maintenance of the new facilities.
Between 2024 and 2026, UNICEF, in partnership with the KfW Development Bank, committed to renovating sanitary blocks in over 120 schools, with technical projects already prepared for 90 of them. These interventions will include constructing new sanitary blocks and renovating existing ones to ensure optimal hygiene conditions. UNICEF will also develop a guide on equipping and implementing measures for water supply, sanitation, and hygiene in schools.
Furthermore, with support from the World Bank, sanitary blocks in 17 schools will be renovated and equipped to provide a safer and more hygienic environment for students. Renovation work began in 2024 in six of these schools, with investments exceeding two million lei.
Caritas Czech Republic will contribute to improving sanitary conditions and access to drinking water in five schools, supporting the authorities' efforts to ensure a healthy environment for students.
In 2025, ONDRL will implement renovation projects for sanitary blocks in 20 schools. For this purpose, 22.5 million lei has been allocated from the state budget. These renovations will include modernizing existing infrastructure and creating better hygiene and safety conditions for students.
According to a study presented last year, in 88 educational institutions across the country, children can only use pit latrines located in schoolyards. In another 546 schools, there are water-based toilets (WCs) inside the school buildings, but students still use outdoor toilets. Additionally, in 39 schools, students use dry toilets with access from inside the building, while in four schools, access to the toilets is from the yard.
