Upgrading WASH Infrastructure for Children and Youth in Communities

About the project

The initiative was implemented by NGO “PLATFORM OF INITIATIVES TEPLYCYA” in partnership with UNICEF and focused on upgrading sanitation and hygiene infrastructure in facilities for children, adolescents, and youth. The main goal was to create safe, inclusive, gender-sensitive, and dignified sanitary spaces that meet modern accessibility and comfort standards.

Context and challenges

Most facilities in the communities had not been renovated for a long time, did not meet basic hygiene standards, and created daily difficulties for visitors and staff. The situation was further complicated by limited local budgets, growing pressure on infrastructure, and the challenges of martial law — in particular, the limited number of contractors able to ensure the required standards of quality and safety.

Implementation approach

Together with UNICEF, the project team focused on long-term and practical solutions:

1. Close coordination with facility administrations and local communities;
2. Ensuring full accessibility, privacy, and safety of the spaces;
3. Quality control of renovation works at every stage.

Results in numbers

1. 11 facilities received fully renovated sanitary premises.
2. In 27 facilities, hygiene conditions were improved: child-accessible washbasins, hygiene supplies, and equipment for barrier-free access were installed.
3. 8,650 people directly benefited from the restored sanitary spaces and related services.
4. 24,060 young people gained access overall to quality basic infrastructure.

Importance for communities

Thanks to UNICEF’s support, the project restored basic comfort and a sense of dignity in educational and youth facilities, ensured compliance with hygiene standards, and strengthened communities’ capacity to maintain a safe environment for children and young people.