ALL4WASH Summer School 2024: Innovating Onsite Sanitation in Sub-Saharan Africa
Arusha, Tanzania – July 1st – July 14th, 2024
The prestigious NORPART (Norwegian Partnership Programme for Global Academic Cooperation) Summer School is set to take place at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) in Arusha, Tanzania. This annual, intensive program, part of the “North-South Alliance for Inclusive Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (All4WASH)” initiative, aims to foster knowledge exchange and capacity building in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector.
The 2024 edition will focus on “On-site Sanitation Systems for Towns and Cities in Sub-Saharan Africa,” addressing critical challenges and showcasing innovative solutions for household and community-level sanitation management.
Key Details:
- Dates: July 1st – July 14th, 2024
- Location: Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Arusha, Tanzania.
- Organizers: A collaborative effort by NM-AIST and global partners.
- Participants: Coordinators, students, researchers, and professionals from partner institutions worldwide.
Objectives:
- Enhance Understanding: Provide comprehensive insights into the principles, challenges, and solutions related to onsite sanitation systems.
- Promote Innovation: Explore cutting-edge technologies and practices to improve the efficiency and sustainability of onsite sanitation.
- Foster Collaboration: Create a platform for participants to share knowledge, experiences, and build networks for future collaborations.
- Develop Skills: Equip participants with practical skills for designing, implementing, and managing effective onsite sanitation solutions.
Thematic Focus: Onsite Sanitation
Onsite sanitation systems are essential in areas lacking centralized wastewater treatment facilities, particularly in rural and peri-urban settings where infrastructure development is limited. This year’s theme will cover various aspects, including:
- Gender Dimensions of Sanitation Management: Exploring the impact of sanitation access and management on men and women differently, emphasizing the need for gender-sensitive approaches.
- Sanitation Status & Challenges in All4WASH Countries: Overview of the current sanitation conditions, challenges, and needs in the participating countries, highlighting disparities and areas for improvement.
- Onsite Sanitation – User Interface, Storage/Treatment, and Conveyance: Discussing the design and functionality of onsite sanitation systems, focusing on waste collection, storage, treatment, and transportation within localized settings.
- Characterization of Wastewater and Faecal Sludge: Understanding the physical, chemical, and biological properties of wastewater and faecal sludge for treatment requirements and environmental impacts.
- Onsite Sanitation – Treatment Technologies: Examining various technologies for treating waste at the site of generation, including traditional methods and innovative solutions.
- Onsite Sanitation – Environmental and Health Impacts: Addressing potential environmental and public health consequences of onsite sanitation systems and strategies to mitigate risks.
- Introduction to Urban Sanitation Planning, Governance & AI: Introducing concepts in planning and managing urban sanitation systems, incorporating governance frameworks, and the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for optimization.
Program Highlights:
- Lectures: Delivered by leading experts in WASH, focusing on theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
- Field Visits: Hands-on learning experiences through visits to local communities and sanitation projects.
- Laboratory Analysis: Techniques for testing wastewater and faecal sludge to evaluate treatment efficiency and ensure safety.
- Group Projects: Collaborative projects where participants design and propose solutions to real-world onsite sanitation challenges.
- Networking Opportunities: Events and activities designed to facilitate connections among participants, experts, and organizations.
This summer school represents a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding of onsite sanitation and contribute to improving WASH outcomes globally. Join us in Tanzania to learn, collaborate, and innovate in the field of sanitation.