Out of every ten children who die in Tanzania, nine die from diseases related to contaminated water. The high incidence of waterborne diseases, such as diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid fever, among primary school children also results in absenteeism, poor academic performance, and growing poverty levels. While practicing as a medical doctor in Mwanza, Felix Manyogote observed how waterborne diseases caused by a lack of sanitation and access to clean water were the greatest barrier to children accessing education.
Felix founded Tanzania Young Eco Protection (TAYEP) to improve water sanitation and hygiene in schools in Tanzania.
“In Tanzania today, out of every ten children who die, nine die from diseases related to contaminated water. I would like to change that.”
Dr Felix Manyogote
TAYEP is a youth-led organisation committed to pioneering solutions in clean water, sanitation, and climate challenges in schools to improve the quality of life in Tanzania. TAYEP’s ‘Maji Tap’ project designs, manufactures and distributes foot pedal operated hand washing stations. They provide access to filtered water and liquid soap to schools in Mwanza, Tanzania. This is at an affordable cost of 120 USD payable in instalments by the schools. TAYEP also create awareness on proper handwashing techniques through training, workshops and infographics prepared in the native Swahili language.
This helps prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections, hence keeping students healthy and in school. TAYEP has been running this project for 2 years and has so far distributed over 120 handwashing stations in 30 schools in Mwanza while impacting over 15,500 children and raising some income to support its operations.
TAYEP is among nineteen organisations that are currently enrolled on the Youth Ventures Programme (YVP). Through the YVP, QCT provides youth-led organisations with flexible funding, practical tools and technical support, and access to a global network of young leaders for 2+ years.
With QCT’s support since March 2022, TAYEP has been able to:
Design, manufacture, and distribute 120 ‘Maji Tap’ stations in 30 schools
Promote awareness on proper handwashing techniques through workshops and information materials in 15 schools
Reduce the prevalence of waterborne diseases in schools by over 40%, positively impacting the lives of 15,000+ school going children
Strengthen its systems and processes in safeguarding and in finance
“QCT’s leadership coaching sessions, access to practical tools and flexible funding opportunities have enables us to scale our work and impact a wider and wider population”
Dr Felix Manyogote
Future work supported by QCT in 2023: TAYEP’s goal is to provide schools in new geographies with access to ‘Maji Tap’ stations
