Varthana Secures $6 mn Loan to Extend Safe Water Access in Schools
Access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities is a fundamental human right, yet millions of people around the world, particularly in low-income communities, lack access to these basic necessities. In India, the situation is no different, with many schools struggling to provide adequate WASH facilities for their students. This can have severe consequences on the health, attendance, and learning outcomes of students. To address this issue, Varthana, a leading education-focused financing company, has secured a $6 million loan from WaterEquity to expand access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in underserved schools across India.
The loan from WaterEquity, a social impact investment firm that specializes in providing financing for water and sanitation projects, will be used to support infrastructure upgrades, new installations, and maintenance of WASH systems in schools. This will help improve the overall health and well-being of students, particularly girls, who are often disproportionately affected by the lack of access to safe water and sanitation facilities. By providing access to safe and clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and promoting good hygiene practices, Varthana aims to reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases, improve attendance, and enhance learning outcomes for students.
The partnership between Varthana and WaterEquity is a significant step towards addressing the WASH needs of underserved schools in India. Varthana has a strong track record of providing financing solutions to schools in low-income communities, and with the support of WaterEquity, the company will be able to expand its reach and impact. The loan will be used to support a range of activities, including the installation of new water treatment plants, construction of toilets and handwashing facilities, and training of school staff and students on good hygiene practices.
The lack of access to safe water and sanitation facilities is a major challenge facing schools in India. According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019, only 56% of schools in India had access to basic drinking water services, while 44% had access to basic sanitation services. The situation is even more dire in rural areas, where 71% of schools lack access to basic drinking water services, and 61% lack access to basic sanitation services. This can have serious consequences on the health and well-being of students, particularly girls, who are often forced to miss school due to the lack of access to safe and clean sanitation facilities.
The partnership between Varthana and WaterEquity is a significant step towards addressing the WASH needs of underserved schools in India. By providing access to safe and clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and promoting good hygiene practices, Varthana aims to improve the overall health and well-being of students, particularly girls. The loan from WaterEquity will be used to support a range of activities, including the installation of new water treatment plants, construction of toilets and handwashing facilities, and training of school staff and students on good hygiene practices.
Varthana’s approach to addressing the WASH needs of underserved schools is holistic and sustainable. The company works closely with school administrators, teachers, and students to understand their specific needs and develop tailored solutions. This includes providing financing for infrastructure upgrades, as well as training and capacity-building programs for school staff and students. By empowering schools to take ownership of their WASH needs, Varthana aims to create a sustainable and long-term impact on the health and well-being of students.
The impact of Varthana’s work extends beyond the schools themselves. By providing access to safe water and sanitation facilities, the company is helping to promote good hygiene practices and reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases in the broader community. This can have a significant impact on public health, particularly in low-income communities where access to healthcare services may be limited.
In conclusion, the partnership between Varthana and WaterEquity is a significant step towards addressing the WASH needs of underserved schools in India. By providing financing for infrastructure upgrades, new installations, and maintenance of WASH systems, Varthana aims to improve the overall health and well-being of students, particularly girls. The loan from WaterEquity will be used to support a range of activities, including the installation of new water treatment plants, construction of toilets and handwashing facilities, and training of school staff and students on good hygiene practices. As Varthana continues to expand its reach and impact, it is clear that the company is making a significant contribution to promoting access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in underserved schools across India.
For more information on this story, please visit: https://startuptalky.com/news/varthana-secures-usd-6-million-loan-from-waterequity-to-expand-access-to-safe-water-and-sanitation-in-underserved-schools-across-india/
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