SWAN Advances WASH Awareness and Community Cleanliness in Katari, Udayapur

 

 

June 2026, Katari Municipality, Udayapur — As part of its ongoing Education and Livelihood Project, SWAN conducted a series of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) awareness programmes and community clean-up events in Katari Municipality, Udayapur from May 31 to June 10, 2026. The events saw the participation of students, teachers, women’s groups, and community members. The primary objective of these events was to educate, raise awareness and inspire school children and marginalized communities to build cleaner, healthier schools and communities.

 

School-Based Orientation and Clean-Up Programmes

SWAN conducted waste management orientation sessions and clean-up campaigns at three schools — Shree Janata Basic School (Fulbari), Shree JanaJyoti Basic School, and Shree Bhawari Devi Basic School. A total of 124 students and teachers actively participated across the three schools.

During the orientation sessions, participants were introduced to the concept of waste and its impact on human health and the environment. Key topics covered included:

• Waste management-related acts and policies under Nepal’s legal framework
• Constitutional provisions on environmental protection and sanitation
• The 3R principles — Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
• The importance of composting organic waste
• Individual and community responsibility in maintaining hygiene, sanitation and environmental protection

Following the orientations, students and teachers jointly carried out school clean-up campaigns, cleaning classrooms, premises, and surrounding areas. The hands-on activity reinforced the orientation session’s messages and gave participants practical experience in maintaining a healthy school environment.

SWAN also provided toilet cleaning supplies to help schools maintain clean sanitation facilities. In addition, first aid boxes with basic medicines and supplies were distributed to support schools in handling minor health emergencies.

 

 

Community Clean-Up Event in Khaireni with Women’s Group

        

In Khaireni, Ward No. 5, SWAN organized a community-wide clean-up event with the active participation of more than 60 women’s group members, alongside men and adolescents from the local community. Together, participants cleaned public spaces, roadsides, and common areas, promoting proper waste disposal and collective environmental responsibility.

Community members showed strong enthusiasm and commitment throughout the campaign. To support ongoing waste management efforts, dustbins were installed at key locations within the community. Women’s group members were encouraged to take ownership of the facilities and ensure their proper use and maintenance in the future.

 

WASH Wall Paintings and Environmental Awareness Boards

SWAN installed educational wall paintings in schools and three information boards at key locations to educate, raise awareness and inspire students and community members.

At Shree Janata Basic School, a WASH wall painting was created showing the seven steps of handwashing, safe drinking water practices, hygiene, and cleanliness messages in simple text and pictures for easy understanding.

An anti-open burning awareness board was also installed in Katari at a public gathering place, highlighting its harmful effects on health, air quality, and the environment, and encouraging eco-friendly waste management practices.

 

Impact and the Way Forward

The WASH awareness and clean-up activities in Katari have demonstrated the power of community participation and local ownership in driving sustainable environmental change. SWAN Nepal remains committed to expanding these efforts in partnership with Katari Municipality, local women’s groups, schools, and other stakeholders, ensuring that hygiene, sanitation, and environmental awareness continue to grow at the grassroots level. While these may seem like small steps, SWAN believes that lasting solutions to climate change begin with communities that are informed, empowered, and taking action every day.

 

SWAN Nepal plans to organize joint community clean-up events in marginalized communities of Katari Municipality in collaboration with travel-to-nature Asia and local government authorities, reflecting its commitment to multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainable environmental change.