Schools are the most important public places for children to play, learn, grow, and acquire essential skills in life. At the core of the Fit for School (FIT) Approach are hygiene-related interventions conducted in groups on a daily basis to form healthy habits among school children. Access to basic water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services is a prerequisite to practice healthy habits and to develop positive hygiene behaviours and is, thus, an integral element for a conducive learning environment and education performance. Children benefit from WASH in Schools (WinS) interventions regardless of background to reduce existing disadvantages and inequalities, and have better chances for a healthy and productive life.
The Fit for School Approach is based on the Fit for School Principles and applies school-based management to implement simple evidence-based interventions addressing multiple high-impact diseases. Combined with improved access to water, handwashing facilities and appropriate sanitation, key determinants of health are addressed in a single intervention package adapted to the respective context.
The Regional Fit for School Programme applies the Approach in four partner countries: Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, and the Philippines.
Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) and applied research are integral to the Fit for School Approach to improve understanding on how to make interventions more impactful.
Collaboration with partners from different sectors are fostered, including other development agencies, academia, NGOs and private sector through public private partnerships.