The United Nations General Assembly officially designated November 19th as World Toilet Day in 2013 with the aim to highlight the importance of proper sanitation globally.
Having access to basic sanitation has a great impact on health and life. In schools, toilets will keep students healthy, comfortable and able to focus on their study.
In disadvantaged rural primary schools in Laos, students must walk all the way back home or run to the jungle to get to the toilet. The distance from home to school makes it difficult for some students to return to school and continue studying. As a result, some students lose their focus in school and miss some classes.
Through BEQUAL, the Australian Government and European Union have supported the Ministry of Education and Sports to renovate toilets in 389 primary schools in the 21 poorest districts of Phongsaly, Houaphan, Oudomxay, Luang Namtha, Sekong and Attapeu provinces . These new basic sanitary facilities will encourage students to come to school and complete their studies.
In addition to the rehabilitation of toilets in primary schools, BEQUAL also is supporting the renovation of WASH facilities in Teacher Training Colleges (TTC) where future teachers are being trained. In Luang Namtha and Saravan TTCs, new water and sanitation facilities are now in use; bathing and toilet facilities are under construction at Savannakhet TTC.
BEQUAL is committed to renovating an addittional 274 primary school toilets in the coming months. BEQUAL’s wants to ensure that students, especially in disadvantaged and remote areas, have a safe, hygienic and well-equipped learning environment to be able to complete their basic education. And toilets are undoubtedly part of this fit for purpose learning environment!