In Mexico, many children suffer the consequences of limited access to drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities in their schools. In the states of Nuevo León and Chihuaha, each home to 5.3 million inhabitants, this problem affects not only health, but also the quality of the educational environment and the well-being of pupils.

In response to these challenges, UNICEF, in collaboration with CAWST, is implementing the Three Star model. This innovative approach is not limited to improving infrastructure: it aims to transform schools into sustainable environments, by integrating the teaching, practice and consolidation of healthy behaviours related to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

The WASH conditions of each school were assessed using the Three Star model, enabling them to be ranked from 0 to 3 stars according to their infrastructure, access to essential services and the behavioural practices in place.

Methodology and implementation

1. Data collection and analysis

– Assessment of conditions in 15 schools in Nuevo León and 50 schools in Chihuahua, with pilot tests to refine the tools.

– Procedures were devised to facilitate on-site collection of agents, structuring and capitalisation of data.

2. Local capacity building

– Alignment of criteria with SDG standards and adaptation to the local context.

– Training of local players to ensure the sustainability of the project.

3. Capitalisation and recommendations

– Validation of data, drafting of a technical report and development of a targeted action plan for each school.

Results and expected impact

– A healthy and safe school environment: schools become exemplary in terms of water and sanitation management.

– Promote sustainable habits: education and the daily practice of healthy behaviours reinforce the long-term impact.

– Provide a methodology that can be replicated: the Three Star approach and the tools developed make it possible to replicate these initiatives in other regions.

By integrating infrastructure, behavioural change and training, this project provides a clear vision of the state and needs of each school and lays the foundations for a future where every child can learn, grow and flourish in optimal conditions.