Participants at the virtual Education Conversations dialogue, which coincided with Africa Day to examine the critical link between sustainable water availability, safe sanitation systems, and basic education outcomes.
“Picture this: trying to solve a complex mathematical problem while being dehydrated. For many learners … this is a reality.”
These words from Grade 10 learner Kgodiso Masete featured in a powerful Education Conversations dialogue hosted by Kagiso Trust in partnership with the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Education.
In line with the theme of Africa Day on Monday May 25 – “Assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063” – the virtual conversation examined how access to water and sanitation in schools goes beyond service delivery. In fact, it is a fundamental education and human dignity issue.
Kgodiso, from Potoko Secondary School in Burgersfort, Limpopo, highlighted the lived experience of learners. He explained that dehydration, poor hygiene conditions and interrupted school days directly undermine effective teaching and learning, particularly in under-resourced schools.
