Formative Evaluation of UNICEF Three Star Approach for WASH in Schools in the Pacific

The WASH in Schools (WinS) Three Star Approach (TSA) has been adopted in Fiji (from a pilot in 2015 but now is at scale), Kiribati (atoll island first implementation from 2015 to 2018), Solomon Islands (since 2016), in Vanuatu (since 2017) and 2018 introduction in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). The evaluation aims to understand whether WinS TSA is achieving the intended results and how the pilot can be brought to scale and replicated in Fiji, Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and FSM. The methodology included extensive document review, visits to schools by the data collections team in 4 countries (all bar FSM), key informant interviews and analysis of programme documentation. The evaluation found the WinS TSA is highly relevant to the Pacific context. Its application across five countries has led to real improvements in student behaviour change, WASH policy environments and government capacity to collect WASH-related data. Progress was found within menstrual hygiene management in particular and the programme is aligned broadly with UNICEF’s strategic goals. As governments seek to scale up the TSA, resourcing (both financial and human) will need real consideration. Operations and management of existing infrastructure as well as the need for further investment of WASH infrastructure will also be critical. The evaluation recommends that UNICEF construct practical and robust Theories of Change to support the development of sufficiently detailed and relevant programme indicators as well as embedding the use of critical tools such as bottleneck analyses. Further research is required to manage the process of scale up, and disability needs to be further embedded. Increased local ownership and improved operations and maintenance will bolster sustainability of progress.

Bibliographic information

UNICEF Pacific Multi Country Office (2021). Formative Evaluation of UNICEF Three Star Approach for WASH in Schools in the Pacific. UNICEF Pacific Multi Country Office

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East Asia & Pacific English Schools

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