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 theirtransformative impact to more communities.