Wisdom International School of Excellence

Tackling the crisis of open defecation

Wisdom International School of Excellence (WISE), an independent
kindergarten to secondary school in Abuja, Nigeria, is a beacon of hope in a community grappling
with poverty and limited access to quality education, whose work has tackled the health crisis
of open defecation. Established in 2013, WISE integrates practical-based learning with a strong
emphasis on sustainability and community development.

At the heart of WISE’s transformative impact is the Tudun-Wada
Eco-Toilet Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) Project. This student-led initiative has
drastically reduced open defecation from 75% to below 20%, significantly improving community
health standards and enhancing access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

The WASH project included an initial comprehensive assessment, based
on which the WASH committee, made up of students and community members, worked to raise
awareness and conduct educational outreach and community engagement to directly address the
sanitation needs of the community. The next steps involved mobilising resources and building the
necessary sanitation facilities. Today, WISE continuously monitors and manages the sanitation
facilities to ensure their sustained use and maintenance.

Leadership at WISE transcends traditional educational roles,
fostering a 21st-century learning environment that nurtures well-rounded individuals who are
academically proficient and socially responsible. This ethos is embodied in their approach to
inclusion, where diversity is celebrated, and every student is provided the platform to succeed.

Additional initiatives like the WISE Fish Farm Enterprise and
menstrual hygiene management education further attest to the school’s commitment to holistic
education and environmental stewardship. These programmes not only enrich students’ learning
experiences but also equip them with the skills necessary for entrepreneurial success.

Should WISE be awarded the World’s Best School Prize for Overcoming
Adversity, the funds would significantly bolster its WASH club activities, allowing for an even
greater integration of sustainable practices into the curriculum and extending their
transformative impact to more communities.