Austrian and Ethiopian Universities Collaborate on School Sanitation in Africa

Inspired by the closed-loop systems essential for space missions, universities in Austria and Ethiopia are developing innovative circular economy solutions for schools in African regions with limited access to fresh water and sanitation. Claudia Probst, head of the Agrartechnology program at the FH Oberösterreich (Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences), is leading a project focused on creating sustainable hygiene and sanitation strategies for elementary schools. The initiative, part of the Africa-Uni-Net network organized by the OeAD (Agency for Education and Internationalisation), began after a professor from the Debre-Markos University in North Ethiopia contacted FH OÖ seeking concepts for implementing hygiene and circular economy practices in local schools. The project, titled "Safe" (Integrated Hygiene and Sanitation Strategies for Enhanced Elementary School Environments in Ethiopia & Ghana), now includes the University of Development Studies (USD) in northern Ghana as a second partner. Probst, who has extensive international research experience, noted that previous attempts to install toilet facilities in the partner regions failed due to the lack of running water and sewage systems. The "Safe" project aims to establish new toilet facilities and hygiene concepts in four pilot schools, one public and one private elementary school in each country. Traditional practices often involve basic pit latrines, sometimes with minimal shelter, which can be uncomfortable and unhygienic, particularly for girls during menstruation. The project seeks to provide more dignified and effective solutions, addressing the critical need for improved water, sanitation, and hygiene in these educational environments.