Speaker's corner: Ms. Annemarieke Mooijman

My name is Annemarieke (aka Anna Maria) Mooijman.
Since 2003, I work as an independent consultant specialised in WASH based in the Netherlands. I do/did consultancies for, among others, IRC, World Bank, Plan International and UNICEF. Before 2002, I was a technical expert with UNICEF, UN-ECLAC and the Delegation of the European Union in Guyana

1. When and what was your first introduction to WASH in schools?

While working for the EU in Guyana in 1992-1994, we supported a big school rehabilitation programme. One of the main components was the provision of and repairs to WASH in schools.

2. While working with WASH in schools, what has been your biggest success or activity/project you are most proud of?

Over the past years, I have written a couple of publications which are widely used in the sector. I am proud that I have been able to use my practical field experience in easily accessible publications. The ones I am most proud of are:

• the booklet Child-Friendly Hygiene and Sanitation Facilities at Schools (available at http://www.irc.nl/page/9587 . It was originally written in 2001 and the first publication ever on child-friendly design of WASH facilities. An new issue to be introduced in sanitation and which I was able to write with support of my husband who is an architect

• the Web site based “Toolkit on school hygiene, sanitation and water”, developed for the World Bank, UNICEF and Water and Sanitation Program (WSP) (available at www.schoolsanitation.org). Caroline van den Berg and I compiled all the available information (up to 2005) and developed the most widely used World Bank WASH Toolkit.

3. Do you have any advise or suggestion for colleagues working in WASH in schools?

Work towards an integrated approach: Before implementing any WASH in schools activity, make sure that there is a solid financial plan (for implementation, continuation, replacement and maintenance and operation); involve children, parents and community wherever possible; make sure that hygiene education is implemented at the moment that facilities have been completed; invest in partnerships at all levels (both public and private).