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September 23, 2024, Kigali: IHS Rwanda, part of the IHS Holding Limited (NYSE: IHS) (“IHS Towers”) group, one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count, has today provided a financial contribution to WaterAid to support the international charity’s work in Nyamagabe District, Rwanda.
The work will provide schools with access to clean water, helping enhance the education and wellbeing of over 4,000 children and staff across four schools.
The project includes constructing rainwater harvesting systems in schools in Nyagambe District, whereby as per the 5th population housing census in 2022, only 59% have access to water, impacting children most heavily. Water scarcity in schools has a negative impact on attendance rates and performance, as children spend their time searching for water for activities such as cleaning and cooking. For girls, the situation is even more complicated. If schools do not have access to water, managing menstruation is extremely difficult, which increases the likelihood of girls missing classes.
The partnership seeks to improve water access in schools through well-managed rainwater harvesting systems, supported by system maintenance training for staff. It will also support improved hygiene practices for schoolchildren and staff through the sharing of hygiene messaging on effective handwashing.
Kunle Iluyemi, Head of Sub Sahara Africa, IHS Towers, commented, “Partnering with WaterAid to help bring clean water and improved hygiene to schools in Nyamagabe District is a proud moment for IHS Rwanda. Access to clean water is essential for the health, education, and overall wellbeing of children. By supporting this project, we are investing in the future of local communities and helping to create a safe and conducive learning environment for thousands of students. IHS Rwanda remains committed to supporting sustainable and impactful projects that make a meaningful difference in the communities where we operate.”
Vestine Mukeshimana, Country Director, WaterAid Rwanda, said, “The launch of this project is very important for WaterAid Rwanda, because we recognize that access to clean water is not just a basic need but a fundamental right, especially for children in schools. By partnering with IHS Rwanda in Nyamagabe District to implement rainwater harvesting systems, we are taking a significant step toward ensuring that every child can focus on their education without the burden of water scarcity. This initiative will not only improve school attendance but also empower girls to manage their menstrual hygiene with dignity, fostering a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. We look forward to the impact this project will have on the community.”
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About IHS Towers: IHS Towers is one of the largest independent owners, operators, and developers of shared communications infrastructure in the world by tower count and is solely focused on the emerging markets. The Company has nearly 40,000 towers across its 10 markets, including Brazil, Cameroon, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Kuwait, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zambia.
For more information, please email: [email protected] or visit: www.ihstowers.com
About WaterAid: WaterAid is an international not-for-profit determined to make clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene normal for everyone, everywhere within a generation. We work alongside communities in 22 countries to secure these three essentials that transform people’s lives. Since 1981, WaterAid has reached 28 million people with clean water and nearly 29 million people with decent toilet.
For more information or media enquiries, please contact: Claude Uwihoreye, Communications and Campaigns Specialist, WaterAid Rwanda: [email protected] /+250785513466.