“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” Nelson Mandela once said. This profound statement underscores the transformative power of education in shaping societies and fostering development. However, the journey to quality education for all is fraught with challenges, particularly in developing countries where basic amenities, such as clean toilets, are often lacking.
Schools are places where health is nurtured, and children develop lifelong healthy habits. They are environments where young minds are shaped and prepared for the future. Yet, the state of sanitation facilities in many schools poses a significant barrier to both health and education. The availability of clean toilets might seem like a basic necessity, but its absence has profound consequences on attendance and educational outcomes.
The issue of inadequate sanitation in schools is not just about convenience; it is a matter of dignity, health, and equal opportunity. Imagine a classroom where students are distracted not by the complexities of algebra but by the anxiety of having to use unsanitary, unsafe toilet facilities. For many children, particularly girls, this scenario is a harsh reality that disrupts their learning experience and limits their potential.
The Importance of Clean Toilets in Schools
The Global Partnership for Education highlights the importance of clean and safe toilets in improving access to education and increasing retention rates. Proper sanitation facilities are crucial for preventing waterborne diseases, which are a leading cause of absenteeism. According to UNICEF, children worldwide lose 443 million school days yearly due to water-related illnesses.
A lack of proper school toilets threatens the health, education, and safety of at least 620 million children around the world. Poor sanitation puts millions of children in danger of diarrhea, which kills 289,000 children under five each year. The World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that, in 2022, at least 1.7 billion people worldwide used a drinking water source contaminated with feces, causing diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, typhoid, and polio.
The relationship between clean toilets and school attendance is clear. For many students, especially girls, the absence of clean and safe toilets in schools poses a significant barrier to regular attendance. A UNESCO report estimates that 1 in 10 girls misses school during their menstrual cycle, which can amount to losing 20% of the school year.
In India, the situation is similarly dire. The Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) report for 2021-22 states that 95.9% of government schools have boys’ toilets, and 97.4% have girls’ toilets. For those schools that lack proper sanitation facilities, it leads to absenteeism, especially among girls, due to the fear of embarrassment or discomfort.
Beyond attendance, clean toilets play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of education. A conducive learning environment is essential for students to thrive academically, and proper sanitation is a fundamental aspect of this environment. Improved sanitation facilities contribute to better student concentration, fewer disruptions during classes, and ultimately, enhanced academic performance.
Hygiene education, coupled with access to clean toilets, instills lifelong habits of cleanliness and health among students. By integrating hygiene practices into the curriculum, educators can foster holistic development and ensure that students are equipped with essential life skills.
Addressing the Problem
Addressing the sanitation crisis in schools requires a multi-faceted approach. Government initiatives, such as the Swachh Bharat Mission, are crucial in laying down the groundwork for improving sanitation infrastructure. Policies and funding dedicated to building and maintaining clean toilets in schools are essential steps toward solving this issue.
The involvement of NGOs and community organizations is equally essential in implementing effective solutions. Collaborative efforts aimed at improving sanitation infrastructure, promoting hygiene education, and addressing cultural taboos surrounding sanitation are imperative for sustainable change. Organizations like WaterAid play a crucial role in bringing attention to the sanitation crisis and advocating for better facilities.
Hygiene education is a vital component of addressing the sanitation crisis. Schools need to integrate hygiene practices into their curriculum, teaching students the importance of cleanliness and proper sanitation. This not only helps in maintaining clean facilities but also ensures that students carry these habits into their communities. As the Sub-Group of Chief Ministers on Swachh Bharat Mission has observed, children are formidable agents of change. Once educated about toilet hygiene and its links to disease, children tend to campaign for good toilet hygiene and toilet access within their families.
Harpic, India’s leading brand in the lavatory care segment, understands this and through its partnership in Mission Swachhta aur Paani with News18, and has aimed several outreach programs at children at the preschool and school level. Mission Swachhta aur Paani which is a movement that champions the cause of inclusive sanitation, equality for all genders, abilities, castes and classes and the strong belief that clean toilets are a shared responsibility.
Under the aegis of Mission Swachhta aur Paani, Harpic partnered with Sesame Workshop India, an educational non-profit, to promote positive sanitation, hygiene knowledge and behaviours among children and families through schools and communities, engaging with 17.5 million children across India. Very recently, the partnership also resulted in the new Sanitation for Good Health curriculum aimed at children at the preschool level.
While large programs like Mission Swachhta aur Paani are doing their bit, you can do yours by talking to your child’s school. Join us here, to help move the needle towards a more Swachh and Swasth Bharat.