New toilets restore dignity at KZN schools

Working in conjunction with the World Toilet Organization, Domestos is raising awareness of the need for sanitation and the risks associated with substandard sanitation globally.

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

In KwaZulu-Natal, four schools are the beneficiaries of a toilet refurbishment project that means their learners no longer have to skip lessons because of substandard sanitation.

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 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 in Gauteng 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 KZN schools received new toilet facilities from Domestos: Little Flower in Ixopo, EkuthuleniPrimary School and Jacob Zuma School in Kwa Mashu and Inanda Seminary situated in Inanda.

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.

"Children who are deprived of basic dignity as a result of inadequate sanitation often miss classes. The Domestos campaign that launched with Sapebuso Primary in Gauteng has proved that proper sanitation can lift morale and there is no doubt it makes a positive difference to children's education." 

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."

Those who would like to follow Domestos in its schools campaign can read about the project on Facebook. As digital communication iskey to driving messages on a broader scale, the Domestos Facebook page is constantly updated by supporters of the project, including Idols finalist and avid ambassador Lloyd Cele.   Interesting video footage of activities at various schools in the KZN area are included, and visitors to the Facebook page may even see some of the Sharks team who have given of their time and effort to promote the Domestos Toilets campaign. 

Stringer concludes, "As more schools are upgraded so we'll have more video clips of activities and more messages about the success of the project. We're hoping that thousands of people will follow the story and pass the messages on to their friends."