The course is designed to empower practitioners with an understanding of the fundamentals of the WASH sector, both in the humanitarian and development contexts. It introduces students to the core principles for planning, designing and implementing activities to improve sustainable and equitable access to domestic water supply and sanitation services and to improve hygiene behaviours.
This study program is jointly organized by the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland (SUPSI), the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (Eawag) and the University of Neuchâtel, (Uni-NE).
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
Identify and analyse context-specific challenges and plan tailor-made WASH interventions to improve sustainable access to WASH services and facilities in complex institutional environments, both in the field of cooperation and humanitarian aid
Conduct a context-specific public health risk analysis of inadequate WASH services and design appropriate prevention strategies
Conduct a systematic analysis of environmental, social and technical problems, both in urban and rural contexts, and design appropriate intervention strategies.
Confidently implement the wide range of advanced WASH intervention tools: from specific technical approaches in water supply and sanitation to current approaches developed in the field of hygiene promotion, as well as sectoral assessment tools.
Programme
The CAS is organized as a blended course consisting in 3 theoretical modules (February-June 2027) delivered in distance learning and a practical module (24 September – 02 October 2027) delivered in Mendrisio, Switzerland.
Module 1: Drinking water and public health
Module 2: Environmental sanitation
Module 3: Sustainable water supply
Module 4: Practical field work at the venue Ca’ Stella
Fee information
CHF 4’500.–. The fee includes full board from arrival at venue until departure (providing basic accommodation in shared rooms). The fee does not include transportation to and from venue. All course participants must have private health insurance to cover any possible costs.
Management has no funding provisions for applicants of this course.
Organising partners
SUPSI, University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, Centre for Development and Cooperation, Lugano-Canobbio (lead)
Eawag-Sandec, Department of Sanitation, Water and Solid Waste for Development, Dübendorf
UNINE, The Centre for Hydrogeology and Geothermics, Neuchâtel
Venue Ca’ Stella, Meride
Ca’ Stella Farm
Via alla Campagna 2
6866 Meride (TI), Switzerland
Phone: +41 91 630 22 34
Website: castellafarm.ch
The practical on-site Module 4 will be organized at Ca’ Stella, located in Meride, in the Mendrisiotto region of Ticino, Switzerland, at the foot of Monte San Giorgio, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. The farm offers cozy rooms. The kitchen will be managed by the class of students, giving us the opportunity to taste dishes and culinary specialties from all around the world.
Participants and Prerequisites
The course caters to those working in, or supporting work in low- and middle-income countries and is ideal for professionals from:
International development and humanitarian agencies
Civil society or non-government organisations
Government agencies
Consultants and sector professionals
Professionals in WASH and development related disciplines, wishing to deepen their knowledge in water, sanitation and hygiene in both humanitarian and development contexts. Admission is reserved for holders of a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Candidates who do not meet the requirements but prove significant experience in the sector can be admitted to dossiers. All courses are taught in English.
https://fc-catalogo.supsi.ch (https://fc-catalogo.supsi.ch/Course/Details/1000004945)
The registration page is currently available only in italian. To register, please click on “Iscrivimi”, then fill the details by clicking on “Registrazione”. If you meet any problem, do not hesitat to contact SUPSI for help.
SUPSI
Centre for Development and Cooperation
Campus Mendrisio – via Flora Ruchat-Roncati 15
CH-6850 Mendrisio
T +41 (0)58 666 63 10
T +41 (0)58 666 62 62
dacd.fc@supsi.ch
Home - CDC - SUPSI (https://www.cdc.supsi.ch/)
<p>Bachelor's degree or equivalent; significant experience in the sector may be considered.</p>
Water, Sanitation and Hygiene
Add your contact details so our team can follow up. Both fields are optional.
