Project Overview and Evaluation Approach
The TWMP launderette was established as part of DiH’s broader Laundry Station initiative, under the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) sector. The pilot phase ran from August to December 2024, aiming to address the laundry needs of the camp’s 3,500 residents (median number during that period), with a particular focus on vulnerable groups such as families, single parents, pregnant women, and those with medical referrals.
To assess our intervention, a mixed-methods evaluation was conducted. This included daily monitoring data, direct observations, user surveys, and interviews with project staff. This comprehensive approach ensured that both quantitative outcomes and qualitative experiences were captured, providing a holistic view of the project’s impact and understanding.
Positive Implications and Achievements
The evaluation found that the introduction of manual washing machines has significantly improved access to clean laundry for many residents, especially those who previously faced barriers to using the Laundry Station, due to either capacity limitations or prioritisation of vulnerable groups. It should be noted, that while our team on the ground have created an efficient system for managing the needs of the camp, we are often limited both by the availability of human resources that are constantly in need for our field project as well as the challenges that lie in servicing a dynamic, fluctuating population with the same number of electric machines.
Positively, users of the manual machines reported high levels of satisfaction with both the quality and frequency of the service, and many noted positive effects on their physical health and mental wellbeing. Following our Foundation evidence, we encouragingly reassert that the availability of clean clothing has contributed to enhanced dignity and a sense of normalcy for residents living in challenging circumstances.The collaboration between DiH and TWMP, as well as the involvement of community volunteers, has been instrumental in building trust and ensuring the service is inclusive and responsive to the evolving needs of the camp population.
Learning Curves and Areas for Improvement
While the intervention has made important strides, the evaluation also highlighted several areas for enhancement. Accessibility remains a challenge, with some residents facing difficulties due to limited machine availability and appointment-based scheduling. Operational efficiency could be improved by increasing service frequency and ensuring regular maintenance and cleaning of machines and washing areas. To answer this need, we are deploying even more manual machines on the island during the summer, and are actively looking for corporate partners to further enhance the electric machines’ availabilities.
Additional recommendations included expanding language support for users and using our voice as the chair of the WASH sector to continue advocating for improving hygiene practices (such as ensuring warm water availability). Strengthening collaboration with health services and scaling up the project to meet growing demand are also key considerations for the future.
Conclusion
The manual washing machine project at Lesvos CCAC demonstrates the positive impact that targeted, user-centred interventions can have in humanitarian contexts. By addressing both practical needs and broader wellbeing, the project has set a strong foundation for ongoing improvement and innovation. The lessons learned from this evaluation will guide future efforts, ensuring that the right to clean, safe, and dignified laundry services is upheld for all residents.