When I was asked to inaugurate a toilet block in the town of Sebeta earlier this week, I did a double-take. I am always happy to make a splash in the local media, but feared being panned by the critics or plumbing new depths.
at the Sebeta Primary School for the Blind and Teachers Training College
Thankfully, it transpired that I was only expected to make a speech and cut a ribbon to open the facility, at the Sebeta Primary School for the Blind and Teachers Training College.
The toilet block itself is thoroughly modern and gaily decorated with a mural by the young students, who greeted me with some lovely singing to their green and pleasant campus – you can read more about my visit on our Embassy website.
The facility was constructed through the selfless efforts of Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) staff who work at the School (and private donations from the UK and Ireland).
As I left, they – quite rightly – looked flushed with success.
PS. For those who object to the word “toilet”, “lavatory” is not a well-known word in Ethiopia…
Very good to read your Blog on what is Global Handwashing day, 15 October. Handwashing has been estimated to be the single most cost-effective intervention to improve health – but many people don’t have adequate facilities to make this desirable practice convenient or sometimes even possible.
Convenient and clean toilets are even more of a priority for people living with a disability. I recommend WaterAid Ethiopia’s brief report on “Different, and the same: Towards equal access, education and solidarity in WASH” to read a bit more on these issues.
Clean toilets, definately something to be proud and not embarassed by – regardless of terminology used!