NWASCO to launch 2026 debate competition for Secondary Schools

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The National Water Supply and Sanitation Council (NWASCO) has, for the first time since launching the ‘Battle of the Brains’ competition in 2019, extended the quiz to primary schools, marking a major milestone in promoting water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) awareness among younger learners.

NWASCO Public Relations and Communications Manager, Mpunga Chipepo Simukwai, said the event held in partnership with the Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association (BORDA) Zambia was a significant step for both the education and water sectors.

“We are thrilled to celebrate young minds who have risen to the challenge of engaging with critical water and sanitation issues, all of which are central to national development and everyday life,” she said. “We strongly believe that fostering a water-conscious and sanitation-smart Zambia begins with engaging our children early and meaningfully.”

This year’s finalists Chainda Open Community School, Chibolya Combined School, and Kamanga Primary School emerged after months of competition involving nine schools. The quiz focused on key WASH themes, including water supply and sanitation, solid waste management, climate change, hygiene, and menstrual hygiene management.

The ‘Battle of the Brains’ aims to create a platform for students, communities, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to discuss and debate WASH-related topics. NWASCO and BORDA Zambia said the competition forms part of a long-term strategy to build WASH ambassadors among young people.

Mrs. Simukwai has noted that poor water, sanitation, and hygiene remain among the leading causes of infection and death among children in sub-Saharan Africa, with cholera and diarrhoeal diseases posing ongoing threats.

She has stressed that access to safe water and sanitation is vital not only for public health but also for economic and social development.

In line with the competition’s development goals, prize money awarded to the top three schools will be used exclusively for implementing WASH projects. Each winning school will be required to submit a proposal detailing specific activities aimed at improving water and sanitation facilities.

“This is not just about winning; it’s about creating lasting change in our schools and communities,” Mrs Simukwai said. “We want to see enhanced WASH infrastructure, improved sustainability, and better learning environments.”

And Mrs. Simukwai said NWASCO has announced plans to launch the 2026 edition as a debate competition targeting secondary schools, while also establishing WASH clubs in all schools that participated this year.

Teachers have already been trained to facilitate the clubs, ensuring the momentum continues beyond the competition.

The ‘Battle of the Brains’ has been supported by partners including One Love Radio, the Ministry of Education through the District Education Board Secretary, and School Watch coordinators.

“Together, we are nurturing informed and responsible future leaders who will champion WASH issues across Zambia,” NWASCO said.

Ends…………………………..

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