The IRIS project—Together for School Hygiene—continues its work to improve hygiene and sanitation infrastructure in schools in the Xin Man district.

One of the project’s objectives is to ensure adequate hygiene conditions for students through the construction of new toilets, showers, and sinks, as well as the distribution of hygiene supplies.

In particular, thanks to our partner organization Sao Bien, new toilets, showers, and sinks were built at the Che La primary and secondary school to serve the school dormitory used by 500 students.
Work began in January with site preparation, the excavation of the foundations, and the construction of the septic tank. After months of work, the exterior construction was completed in May, and the installation of the sanitary facilities proceeded. The new facility includes 5 showers and 5 toilets, covering a total area of 42 m²: a vital addition to the few restrooms and showers that previously existed.

In addition, in April, 38 handwashing sinks were delivered to six target schools in the district: Coc Re Secondary School, Thu Ta Secondary School, Ban Diu Elementary School, Ban Diu Secondary School, Trung Thinh Elementary School, and Coc Cu Village School.

These initiatives are complemented by the distribution of 21 hot-water heaters (to allow students to wash easily) and hygiene supplies in 10 local schools, as well as extensive training and awareness-raising efforts for teachers and students on proper hygiene practices to be followed daily in their living and learning spaces. All of these activities will be completed by the fall of 2026.