The National Science Foundation (USA), under the International Research Experience for Students (IRES) Scheme, has funded a Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Fair at Amamoma - one of the surrounding communities of the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
This forms part of a collaborative project between UCC, the University of South Florida, and Shippensburg University.
Organised by UCC’s Department of Geography and Regional Planning and the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of the the School of Sustainable Engineering of UCC, the WASH Fair brought together researchers, students, community leaders, and international partners to address critical issues of water access, sanitation, and hygiene in local communities.
The chairperson of the event, Safohenpanyin of Amamoma, Nana Kofi Sheburah, welcomed the initiative and encouraged community members to make the most of the knowledge being shared. He praised the collaboration for bringing practical knowledge to the grassroots.
Giving the purpose of the gathering, Prof. Peter Appiah Obeng, Dean- elect for, explained that the event formed part of a three-year international research project.
He said the University had a responsibility towards its surrounding communities to educate them and also to interrelate with other universities.
Safohenpanyin of Amamoma, Nana Kofi Sheburah (in cloth), with some dignitaries who graced the fair
Prof. Obeng explained that, this is the second year of receiving foreign students with their UCC counterparts to come together for research.
“We aim to educate the community on how to protect our water bodies and also provide safe drinking water,” he explained.
The Special Guest of Honour, Dr. Mrs. Juliette Dufie Otami, the Central Regional Director of Education, expressed concern about the poor state of water and sanitation facilities in schools. She was also concerned about how inadequate water supply and toilet facilities contribute to absenteeism in schools.
Dr. Otami called for a long-term approach to solving these issues: “Let us take this opportunity to think beyond short-term fixes and work towards long-term community development. Let us prioritise clean water and toilet facilities in schools and homes.”, she added.
Dr. Otami further emphasised the need to work towards ensuring that clean water and toilet facilities were not privileges for a few, but a guaranteed right for all.
The WASH Fair featured interactive sessions and practical demonstrations on safe water practices, hygiene education, and environmental conservation.
Source: Documentation and Information Section-UCC