Project Clean Start

Advancing Hygiene Infrastructure in School

When I first entered the school in 2024, I was shocked to see that there was a lack of functional and hygienic washroom facilities for students.

The existing infrastructure was either damaged, unusable, or insufficient to accommodate the number of children. Students avoided using the washrooms during school hours.

This led to discomfort, illness and frequent absenteeism, which impacted their overall learning. Recognising the urgent need to improve hygiene conditions for students, the school community came together to address the lack of functional washrooms.

The challenge: Inadequate sanitation facilities

Building partnerships to address critical infrastructure needs

With government funding not readily available, alternative avenues had to be explored. I, along with the school authorities, made a proposal highlighting the everyday challenges that students faced and the long-term impact of inadequate sanitation on attendance, health, and learning outcomes.

We sent this report to many CSR wings of different companies. Finally, our cause was supported by the Corporate Social Responsibility wing of a large FMCG company. Although infrastructure development was not their usual focus, the strength of the problem statement and its clear alignment with student well-being encouraged them to extend their support.

Embedding sustainable hygiene practices through education

In parallel, I facilitated the school's onboarding into the Dettol School Hygiene Education Program, ensuring that the intervention went beyond one-time repair work and embedded hygiene awareness and sustainable practices among students.

Collaboration: Dettol School Hygiene Education Program

Impact: Serving 800+ students with dignity and health

Within just a few months of completion, the initiative is now assisting more than 800 students with access to hygienic washrooms and handwashing stations. I take great pride in having facilitated this initiative for my students by bringing together multiple stakeholders around a shared vision of dignity, health, and well-being.

Change: Clean, functional facilities for all students

"Sincere appreciation for Ishita for her exceptional efforts and commitment towards social responsibility. Her dedication and proactive approach to mobilize funds under CSR ensured the renovation of school toilets. It's truly commendable.
This initiative will have a meaningful and lasting impact on the health and hygiene of the students.
Wishing her a bright future ahead!"

- Rashmi, Principal, MCD Pratibha Boys School, Aya Nagar

Behind the scenes

Their words, their joy

In this clip, my students share what the new washrooms mean to them - feeling safe, staying healthy, and showing up to class with confidence.

"I'm now washing hands before and after eating!"
"The new washroom is better than the last washroom!"
"The washroom is clean, the washroom is beautiful!"

Their voices capture what dignity, health, and learning now look like in our classroom.

Making a difference

Key Initiatives

Ground-level infrastructure fixes paired with student-centered learning experiences.

Infrastructure

Washroom Rebuild

Planning, CSR fundraising, and execution to make facilities safe and usable for all students.

Students

800+

Outcome

WASH infrastructure

Health

Hygiene Curriculum

Dettol School Hygiene Education Program integrated for long-term upkeep and awareness.

Partners

FMCG CSR

Health

Better behavioral habits

Classroom

Joyful
Learning

Goal walls, story-writing challenges, calligraphy peer support, and Olympiad prep.

Learning

Experiential and Activity Based

Olympiad R2

3