Domestos restores school toilets

Here in South Africa, the brand is focused on sanitation at schools, as research indicates that theprovision of adequate and hygienic toilet facilities contributes directly to the standard of education received by learners.

Sue Stringer, marketing director for Unilever, says, "Every effort has to be made to bring the plight of our children to the notice of the public and authorities. As mothers we cannot condone the lack of facilities at schools.

"Substandard toilet facilities result in absenteeism and especially girls then struggle to complete the curriculum, resulting in missed lessons and lower grades."

Stringer goes on to say that there are over 24 000 public schools in South Africa but less than 8 000 of them have flushing toilets. "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," she adds. 

"Domestos initiated its refurbishment campaign in 2010 at Sapebuso Primary School and the brand is committed to continuing with this project to provide clean, hygienic facilities and to restore the dignity of learners throughout the country by taking an interest in their welfare."

As a result, this month four schools received new toilet facilities from Domestos: Little Flower, Ekuthuleni Primary School and Jacob Zuma School.

Stringer 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 and uplifting not only the schools but also the surrounding communities."

The link between proper sanitation and learning cannot be underestimated, adds toilet activist Trevor Mulaudzi, a member of the World Toilet Organisation and project manager of the Domestos refurbishment campaign.

Principal of Ekuthuleni Primary School, Mr Sambulo Khalala, says the learners are delighted to be included in the Domestos campaign.

"I have 1 633 learners at Ekuthuleni, from Grade 1 to 6, boys and girls, and they are very happy that the toilets have been cleaned and repaired," he says. "They're also aware of the importance of using and maintaining the toilets properly, and are determined to keep them in this new condition."

Mr Khalala says that although there are still not enough facilities - just six toilets for over 800 boys and 12 for the girls - the Domestos project has made a positive difference to the learners' morale.

Stringer says, "The Ekuthuleni project is a fine example of business and education working together to change lives. Educators, learners and parents have all been informed about toilet hygiene and the school will continue with a proper maintenance plan to keep the toilets hygienically clean."