Several studies in India have revealed that lack of basic amenities like toilets, access to water and basic infrastructure creates an unwelcoming and non-conducive environment in government schools. This leads to a high rate of absenteeism which results in children dropping out of school. In this situation, girls are often the most affected. Plan India is a strategic partner of Coca-Cola NDTV Support My School campaign, which was launched to work on revitalisation of schools. The campaign that began with Coca-Cola, NDTV and UN-Habitat, has now grown to include many partners. The approach adopted was to work on sanitation plus a model involving NGOs, community members and the private sector. So in addition to new or revitalised structures, access to water was made an important component.
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