Toilet is no longer a dirty word

Here in South Africa over 500 learners at a primary school in Soweto are celebrating the refurbishment of their school toilets, which means they no longer have to skip lessons because of substandard sanitation.

Although the first flush toilet was invented over 400 years ago in 1596, almost 2,5 billion people - 40% of the world's population! - still have no access to toilets and proper sanitation.

Unilever's Domestos brand is involved in World Toilet Day around the globe and is improving the sanitation situation for 515 learners at Sapebuso Primary School in Soweto.

Sue Stringer, marketing director for Unilever, says: "As an international leader in home hygiene, Domestos is continually committed to public awareness of good health practices and this is another way of delivering an important message.

"It's estimated that as many as 18 million South Africans do not have access to basic sanitation," she adds.

Encouraging

"Lack of sanitation is the world's biggest cause of infection and one of the problems that continues to keep many of our children out of school. We are committed to the continued refurbishment of school ablution facilities and we hope to expand on this campaign during 2011."

Sapebuso Primary now has 18 toilets, washbasins and urinals housed in two ablution blocks for its learners. School principal Phola Tabane says it's extremely encouraging to see companies like Unilever taking an interest in the welfare of her pupils.

"Our toilets were in a terrible state. There was no flowing water, the toilets and urinals were blocked, and there was no privacy whatsoever for the learners," she says.

"Although the department supplied us with resources, the budget was not enough to do what we had to do, so when Unilever stepped in to assist us, we were delighted.

"Our new toilet facilities are wonderful, and the children are very excited. The only unhappy ones are the grade sevens - they just wish the toilets had been refurbished earlier in the year. As a result of this refurbishment, the children and educators have taken it on themselves to spruce up the school with a coat of paint - it's amazing how the morale in the school has improved', she smiles.

Tossing out the toilet taboo

Tabane says a plan is now in place to have daily clean-ups and the children have been educated in healthy sanitation habits.

One of South Africa's most outspoken "toilet activists" and a member of the World Toilet Organisation (WTO), Trevor Mulaudzi has partnered with Domestos for the World Toilet Day school refurbishment campaign. The WTO was launched in 2001 and now has 235 member organisations in 58 countries, all working towards eliminating the toilet taboo and delivering sustainable sanitation.

Mulaudzi says the Sapebuso Primary project is a fine example of business and education working together to change lives. "This is not one of those hit and run projects," he says. "Educators, learners and parents have been educated about toilet hygiene and the school will continue with a proper maintenance plan to keep the toilets hygienically clean."

Millions of people worldwide are commemorating World Toilet Day with events that range from discussion forums in public libraries in Australia and high school events in Bulgaria to a 24-hour Toilet Sit at a college in the UK, the screening of a movie called The Bog Standard and taking part in 'The Big Squat'.