Sanitation for Millions

Toilets Making the Grade® (TMG) Competitions Empower Schools in Pakistan, Uganda, and Colombia to Improve Sanitation

Tizian — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 08:39:55 +0000

Schools across Pakistan, Uganda, and Colombia are leading the charge in improving sanitation and hygiene through the Toilets Making the Grade® (TMG) competition. This innovative initiative, spearheaded by the German Toilet Organisation (GTO) with the support of the GIZ global programme Sanitation for Millions, is enabling schools to address their own sanitation challenges and drive sustainable change within their communities.

In a message underscoring the importance of the competition, German Parliamentary State Secretary Bärbel Kofler remarked: “Toilets making the grade – and they literally do. A good learning environment for children and young people also includes appropriate sanitary and hygiene facilities. If they are missing, it jeopardises the health, well-being and education of pupils. Around 30 per cent of all schools worldwide do not have any toilets at all. This urgently needs to change! The consequences can be severe, especially for girls and young women, who often do not attend classes during their periods—or even drop out of school altogether. As patron of the ‘Toilets Making the Grade’ competitions in Germany, Uganda, Pakistan, and Colombia, I would therefore like to thank you for your great commitment. Your ideas make a very concrete contribution to better sanitation and hygiene in schools—and are an example and an inspiration for many others. My warmest congratulations to all the winning schools!”

The TMG® competition is designed to empower schools by providing them with the tools and guidance necessary to identify and tackle their specific sanitation and hygiene issues. Participating schools receive an “inspiration package” and a poster that helps them conduct a self-analysis of their sanitation facilities. This approach not only raises awareness but also sparks valuable discussions within the school community about infrastructure needs, behaviour change, and realistic solutions to improve their current situation. After completing the self-analysis, schools submit their sanitation improvement concepts to regional authorities and implement them. Juries consisting of local stakeholders assess the submissions as well as their implementation. The schools which have achieved the most significant improvements regarding sanitation and hygiene behaviour are honoured and receive prizes in an award ceremony.

Pakistan: Leading by Example in Peshawar

In 2024, the TMG® competition saw significant participation in Pakistan, particularly in the district of Peshawar. A total of 50 schools engaged in the competition, showcasing their commitment to improving sanitation standards. The initiative has not only enhanced the understanding of WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) practices among students and staff but has also strengthened the collaboration between schools and local government bodies. The competition has played a crucial role in fostering political will to support these vital improvements in school sanitation.

A Collaborative Effort Across Ugandan Regions

Uganda has also embraced the TMG® competition, with 22 schools participating in 2024. The competition was held across two regions: Nwoya, with 18 schools, and Amuru, with 4 schools. The participating schools have demonstrated remarkable initiative in analysing their sanitation challenges and proposing actionable solutions. The competition has not only enhanced the sanitation infrastructure in these schools but also provided a platform for the community to engage in discussions about hygiene practices and the importance of maintaining a clean and safe learning environment.

A Promising Start in Colombia

Colombia is hosting its first TMG® competition in 2024 in the region of Cúcuta named “Idea tu baño, pasa el año!”, with over 30 schools already registered to participate. The enthusiasm shown by Colombian schools highlights the growing recognition of the importance of WASH initiatives in creating a healthier and more conducive learning environment. The award ceremony featuring the popular local band Carranga Kids will take place on October 15^th.

The Global Impact

TMG® is more than just a contest; it is a movement that encourages schools to take ownership of their sanitation challenges and work collaboratively with local authorities to find sustainable solutions. By fostering a spirit of innovation and community engagement, the competition is driving tangible improvements in sanitation infrastructure and hygiene practices across Pakistan, Uganda, and Colombia.

As these schools continue to make strides in achieving WASH standards, the TMG® competition serves as a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of investing in the health and well-being of future generations.

Celebrating the 10th Menstrual Hygiene Day: A Decade of Breaking Taboos and Empowering Women and Girls

Tizian — Tue, 28 May 2024 13:17:30 +0000

On May 28, 2024, the world marks the 10th anniversary of Menstrual Hygiene Day (MH Day), an occasion dedicated to raising awareness and spreading knowledge about menstrual health and hygiene. Since its inception in 2014 MH Day has grown into a global movement that seeks to break the silence and challenge the stigma surrounding menstruation. This year’s milestone is not just a celebration but a call to action to continue the progress made over the past decade.

Menstrual Hygiene Day was created to address the systemic challenges and cultural taboos that prevent millions of women and girls from managing their periods with dignity. The date, May 28, was chosen symbolically: May is the 5th month of the year, representing the average duration of a menstrual cycle, while 28 corresponds to the average number of days in the cycle. Over the years, MH Day has brought together governments, NGOs, the private sector, and individuals to advocate for safe Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM).

The theme for the 10th MH Day underscores the commitment to making menstruation a normalized and respected aspect of life. The focus is on ensuring that by 2030, no one is held back because they menstruate. This vision aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health, education, and gender equality.

Despite the progress, significant challenges remain. In many parts of the world, menstruation is still shrouded in stigma, leading to misinformation and harmful practices. Lack of access to sanitary products and adequate sanitary facilities continues to affect millions, particularly in low-income and rural areas.

On the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day, various campaigns and activities are organized in our partner countries Colombia, Jordan, Pakistan and Uganda. These will help raise awareness and talk openly about Menstrual Health and Hygiene.

Author: Laura Kieweg

Driving Change: Training Women in Plumbing for Community Impact

Tizian — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 09:18:15 +0000

Today marks International Women’s Day! Women play pivotal roles as change agents within our communities. Recognizing their importance, their involvement in the management and upkeep of sanitation facilities must be ensured. Sanitation for Millions not only trains individuals like muezzins and caretakers but also offers basic plumbing training to local communities, prioritizing the empowerment of women. Join us as we shadow Rasha during her participation in a recent training session.

Many households in Jordan still struggle to access clean water and sanitation. To improve the lifespan and quality of these sanitary facilities, one of the cornerstones of Sanitation for Millions in Jordan is the provision of basic plumbing training, which aims to equip individuals with the skills needed to undertake household repairs and ensure access to clean water.

Rasha recently attended a Sanitation for Millions plumbing skills training in Jordan. Upon arrival at the training, she was unsure whether she would feel comfortable attending a plumbing training as it is typically seen as a man’s job. But as she walked into the room, Rasha noticed that she was surrounded by other women who were eager to learn how to fix their own toilets if they had a leak. In the middle of the room were tools on the table, some she’d never seen before. Rasha took a deep breath and felt a sense of empowerment and solidarity as she joined the other women around the table. The trainer, an experienced plumber, greeted her warmly, breaking the ice with a reassuring smile.

“Good morning, ladies,” the plumber began. “Today, we’re going to learn some essential plumbing skills that will help you tackle common household issues. Whether it’s a leaky faucet, a clogged drain, or a malfunctioning toilet, you’ll be equipped to handle it.”

Rasha felt a surge of enthusiasm as the instructor demonstrated how to use each tool effectively. They were introduced to different types of pilers, chisels, pipes, and valves. She eagerly took notes, determined to absorb as much knowledge as possible. The instructor showed the group how to detect a water leakage from pipes and how to maintain and fix a water faucet. As the day progressed, Rasha found herself growing more confident with each new techniques she learned.

During the hands-on portion of the training, Rasha and her fellow participants worked together to practice what they had been taught. They cheered each other on, celebrating small victories and offering encouragement when challenges arose. Despite her initial doubts, Rasha felt a sense of empowerment as she was able to conduct the right steps in fixing a faucet.

By the end of the training, Rasha emerged with newfound skills and a renewed sense of purpose. She was no longer intimidated by the idea of tackling plumbing repairs; instead, she felt confident to take control of her home’s maintenance. With a toolbox in hand and a network of supportive peers by her side, Rasha was ready to make a difference in her community. She felt capable as she knew that when her friends or neighbours need help fixing their faucet, Rasha would be able to help.

What’s Rasha’s takeaway from the training? “After completing the basic plumbing training provided by the Sanitation for Millions project, I feel empowered to tackle household repairs on my own. With this newfound knowledge, I can ensure clean water flows, which helps to create a safer and healthier environment for my family. “

Find out more about Sanitation for Millions’ Trainings on Operation and Maintenance here:

https://www.sanitationformillions.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Sanitation-for-Millions-Curtain-call-for-Caretakers-The-Hausmeister-Concept.pdf

Authors: Lea Kilter & Laura Kieweg

Throwback: 1 Year of Sanitation for Millions in Jordan

Tizian — Mon, 08 Jan 2024 15:55:23 +0000

As the new year has begun, let’s take a look back at Sanitation for Millions-Jordan‘s activities over the past year. The year 2023 in Jordan was filled with trainings of male and female preachers on hygiene and public health, as well as Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) and plumbing, which were then passed on to local communities.

Access to functional and hygienically managed public toilets in Jordan is limited. According to Unicef, only one-third of schools in Jordan have basic sanitation facilities, and only 77.3 percent of existing sanitation systems are managed safely.

Thus, in 2023, Sanitation for Millions – Jordan conducted a series of trainings to empower local leaders to teach what they learned to local communities:

107 female preachers (waithats) were trained in hygiene and public health

…who then conducted a series of hygiene and public health behaviour training sessions for 2,987 girls.

75 Waithats trained by a medical expert on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) practices from a hygiene, health and medical perspective

…who then conducted a series of trainings for 1,256 girls to raise awareness on MHM in their local communities.

93 preachers (imams) trained in hygiene and public health

…who then conducted a series of trainings for 3,677 men.

24 male preachers (imams and muezziens) trained in basic plumbing skills.

46 women were trained in basic plumbing skills such as repairing leaks and unblocking drains.

Sanitation for Millions – Jordan also marked a number of key international days. On World Water Day in March, Sanitation for Millions partnered with the Jordanian Ministry of Water and Irrigation to visit two public schools in Amman city to teach key safe hygiene concepts and demonstrate safe handwashing practices. During the last Global Handwashing Day in October last year, Sanitation for Millions launched a social media campaign on the Facebook page of the Jordanian Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI) to further promote the importance of handwashing. In May, Menstrual Hygiene Day was celebrated by conducting menstrual hygiene management workshops to spread knowledge about menstrual health practices.

And that’s not all! Sanitation for Millions – Jordan has been busy preparing for the construction and rehabilitation of sanitary facilities in faith-based institutions, which will start this year. Let’s find out what 2024 holds in store for Sanitation for Millions in Jordan!

Clean toilets for all? Then what? – Sanitation for Millions on the German Tagesschau podcast “Mal angenommen”

Tizian — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 15:29:15 +0000

Bärbel Schwaiger, Programme Director of Sanitation for Millions, was invited to be a guest in the podcast “Mal angenommen” by the German news programme Tagesschau. This episode of the podcast is a thought experiment on what could happen if toilets for all became a reality. Bärbel Schwaiger shared how the current lack of toilets affects school children, especially girls during menstruation, what issues and cultural contexts need to be considered when building new sanitation facilities, and how the project is working to increase access to safe sanitation.

Listen to the episode here (only in German): Der tagesschau Zukunfts-Podcast: mal angenommen · Saubere Klos für alle? Was dann? · Podcast in der ARD Audiothek

World Toilet Day 2023 – A day to honour what everyone needs but not everyone has

Tizian — Mon, 20 Nov 2023 15:32:36 +0000

#WorldToiletDay – Accelerate Change: The theme of World Toilet Day, celebrated every year on 19 November to shine a spotlight on sanitation, highlights the need to scale up efforts to make toilets for all a reality to achieve SDG 6 by 2030. Too many people around the world still live without access to safe sanitation. To raise awareness of the issue and improve the situation for more people, Sanitation for Millions has held awareness sessions at health facilities and schools around the world, as well as inaugurating and laying the groundwork for female-friendly sanitation infrastructure.

Worldwide, 3.5 billion people still live without safely managed sanitation services, and about 500 million people have to resort to open defecation. Poor sanitation is not only linked to health problems such as the transmission of diarrhoeal diseases like cholera and dysentery, but also reduces human well-being, social and economic development, and leads to lost opportunities for education and work. Toilets are not the most attractive of issues, but an incredibly important one. Access to clean water and sanitation is part of SDG 6, and has been recognised as a human right in its own right since 2015. Yet it is too often overlooked. Every year on 19 November, World Toilet Day is celebrated to shed light on this issue. The theme of the day is ‘Accelerating Change’, as the world needs to work five times faster to achieve the sanitation target of safe toilets and water for all by 2030 (SDG 6). After providing sanitation infrastructure to 280 public institutions and directly reaching more than 2 million people with access to safe sanitation and hygiene, Sanitation for Million aims to reach even more.

What did Sanitation for Millions do this World Toilet Day?

In Uganda, 10 percent of the population are forced to practice open defecation due to lack of access to adequate sanitation. During the week of World Toilet Day, Sanitation for Millions Uganda, in partnership with CARTITAS – HEWASA, organised a community-based debate, commonly known as Kabakes, on the responsibilities of safe sanitation. The debate brought together communities, policy stakeholders, implementing partners, and others to promote discussions on the importance of having lined toilets for safe sanitation and to encourage communities to improve their sanitation and hygiene practices with an emphasis on roles and responsibilities. The event also celebrated the groundbreaking of the construction of inclusive toilets at a school with more than 850 beneficiaries and a healthcare facility that will benefit more than 20,000 community members. A photo exhibition of Sanitation for Millions Uganda’s toilet interventions and best practices was displayed at the venue, along with other programme knowledge products and information materials.

Sanitation for Millions Pakistan, in collaboration with local partners, organised a role play and public speaking competition in schools. Also, to mark World Toilet Day, the inauguration of female-friendly infrastructure in health facilities was celebrated.

Only about 18 percent of Colombia‘s population has access to safely managed sanitary facilities. Sanitation for Millions Colombia organised four awareness-raising and feedback sessions with local partners from the health sector and the women’s and children’s networks of the health system. In gender-sensitive and fun sessions that were attended by 178 participants, the importance of toilets and their impact on health and disease prevention was highlighted, as well as other critical aspects of sanitation such as safe menstrual management and environmental sustainability. In addition, Sanitation for Million Colombia has created an informational poster on the proper use of sanitation and the importance of toilets, which will be piloted in basic health units. The poster will be presented to local partners and used in future infrastructure interventions.

Global Handwashing Day 2023 – Reaching for Clean Hands to Reduce Diseases Worldwide

Tizian — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 13:56:49 +0000

#CleanHandsarewithinReach – This year’s Global Handwashing Day theme encourages the mission to reach more people with better hand hygiene. Every year on October 15, Global Handwashing Day is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of handwashing. As every year, Sanitation for Millions organizes numerous activities around the world to celebrate this day.

Handwashing is the simplest and most cost-effective way to prevent disease, making it critical to reducing infections and pandemics. According to the WHO, handwashing with soap can significantly reduce diarrhoeal diseases and acute respiratory infections. Handwashing with soap also plays an important role in reducing the transmission of outbreak-related pathogens such as cholera and Ebola. Safe hand hygiene also protects against healthcare-associated infections, and proper hand hygiene has further been linked to benefits beyond disease reduction, such as reduced school absenteeism and improvements in well-being, dignity, and productivity.

The Global Handwashing Day, which is celebrated every year on 15 October, aims to raise awareness of the importance of safe hand hygiene practices. This year’s theme is #CleanHandsarewithinreach. So far, Sanitation for Millions has directly reached more than 1.2 million people with access to safe hand hygiene – and the programme is working hard to reach even more. The Global Handwashing Day is the perfect opportunity to raise awareness among the programme’s partners, in public institutions and within local communities.

What are Sanitation for Millions activities for this years’ Global Handwashing Day?

In Pakistan, although most people have access to places to wash their hands, only 69 percent of households use soap and water for hand washing. One in 10 households do not have water, soap, or any other cleaning agents in place for practicing safe hand hygiene. To raise awareness on the importance of proper handwashing, Sanitation for Millions and the Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR) organized a public speaking competition, a quiz competition, and a skit in schools. Sanitation for Millions joined UNICEF in holding hands-on sessions to demonstrate the steps to safe handwashing and awareness sessions in schools and health care facilities. Further, Sanitation for Millions – Pakistan was part of a panel discussion on “Hand hygiene improvement strategies in schools, healthcare and public places” with different partners like the PCRWR and WaterAid.

Sanitation for Millions – Jordan launched a social media campaign on the Facebook page of the Jordanian Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI) to inform about the Global Handwashing Day and the importance of handwashing.

Diarrhoea is one of three major causes for deaths of children in Uganda, killing 33 children every day, according to UNICEF. Educators and health workers in Uganda, in coordination with Sanitation for Millions, held educational and demonstration sessions on the importance of handwashing, effective handwashing tips, handwashing steps, and critical handwashing moments, emphasizing the role of hand hygiene in infection prevention and control. In addition, Sanitation for Millions – Uganda conducted an awareness-raising event on the roles and responsibilities of different stakeholders in promoting hand hygiene in their community, involving key community influencers such as political leaders.

More than four million people in Colombia live in poverty and lack access to clean water, safe sanitation, and hygiene. In collaboration with the Municipality of Cúcuta, the Health Department and the Family Welfare Institute of Colombia, Sanitation for Millions – Colombia held three events in Cúcuta that took place in a primary health care unit and two early childhood centres, serving the indigenous population. About 540 people participated in the events, which included interactive and culturally sensitive games, various practical and playful activities. Specialized personnel were present to help the deaf and blind population. Communication products, such as a video fun song and educational video on proper handwashing for children were created in cooperation with the female artist group La Siembra. In the future, the video will be shown in the city’s health centres.

Throwback: 1 Year of Sanitation for Millions in Colombia

Tizian — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 07:40:20 +0000

In October 2022, Colombia became the fourth country of implementation of Sanitation for Millions. Let’s take a look back at what has happened over this past year. Not only did Sanitation for Millions take the first steps towards building and rehabilitating school sanitary facilities, but also raised awareness on menstrual health and hygiene among vulnerable populations and advocated politically for our mission.

In Colombia, Sanitation for Millions started this year with the kick-off of our project during a Conversápolis event in February 2023, since Colombia joined Sanitation for Millions as the fourth country in October last year, after being part of the finalised CREW+ project. Conversápolis is a multi-programme platform, organised in cooperation with the German Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Colombian ministries of Environment, Transport, Housing, and the National Planning Department. It allows representatives of different regional governments to share experiences, including safe access to sanitation. The event resulted in an initial activity plan and the commitment of local partners to our mission.

On 28 May this year, Sanitation for Millions – Colombia celebrated jointly with the Green Jobs and Circular Economy Program (PREVEC) the Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023 in Cúcuta. A workshop on menstrual hygiene management for female waste pickers, migrants, and their daughters took place. The workshop created a safe space with an atmosphere of sisterhood that allowed for an open discussion about the female anatomy, the menstrual cycle, and myths about menstruation. Many women in the recycling sector face societal and cultural barriers to gain access to menstrual supplies. During the workshop, these issues were addressed and the participants were introduced to the option of reusable products. Reusable menstrual products are not only better for the environment, they are more cost-effective in the long run than disposable ones, thus making them a viable alternative for participants.

What will happen next?

Sanitation for Millions – Colombia is planning the rehabilitation and construction of sanitary facilities in five schools in Colombia, benefiting at least 2,000 students. The first construction activities will be initiated at the end of this year.

As every year, 15 October will be the Global Handwashing Day. Sanitation for Millions is already busy planning campaigns and awareness activities. Watch out for our next update soon!

Menstrual Hygiene Day 2023: Making the most normal thing finally normal – not just today

Tizian — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 06:46:07 +0000

#WeAreCommitted! That’s this year’s appeal on the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day on May 28! Sanitation for Millions takes this motto at its word and is committed to breaking down socio-cultural barriers and improving access to safe sanitation and menstrual hygiene management practices for people in its partner countries!

Every day, more than 300 million women and girls menstruate worldwide. Many of them live in countries where the issues of menstrual hygiene and menstrual health are not openly discussed. Instead, myths and misconceptions circulate that further stigmatize menstruation and exclude menstruating individuals from their daily activities, such as going to work, going to school, or attending religious services. On Menstrual Hygiene Day, we want to draw attention to these challenges around the world! Awareness must be raised and knowledge on safe menstrual hygiene management must be shared among women and girls, but also men and boys. Menstruation must no longer be a shameful topic but should be openly discussed as what it is: the most normal thing in the world!

On the occasion of Menstrual Hygiene Day, various campaigns and activities are organized in the partner countries of Sanitation for Millions. These will help raise awareness and talk openly about the issues of menstrual hygiene and health.

The project team in Uganda is organizing a whole series of awareness and education activities! On May 25, there will be a “MHM Walk” in Anaka Town in the northern part of the country. The theme of the walk is “Walking in commitment to ending period poverty and making menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030”. The aim is to sensitize the local population to the issues of menstrual hygiene and health. This will be followed by a public “MHM advocacy” event. This involves not only Sanitation for Millions, but also other local stakeholders such as the local government, participating schools, women’s groups, and religious institutions. All of them will share their activities on menstrual hygiene. In keeping with the theme #WeAreCommitted, the common bond will be symbolized by wearing menstruation bracelets!

In order to set an example and raise awareness among our own staff, the teams of Uganda and Pakistan joint forces to organize an online information workshop on activities related to the topic of menstrual hygiene. In this workshop, the employees of both country offices will be informed about the respective activities and the high importance of the topic of menstrual hygiene will be emphasized once again.

The team in Pakistan will be part of an event organized by the MHM secretariat Balochistan in the city of Quetta. There will be a panel discussion on Menstrual Hygiene Management and various activities of partner organizations, such as WaterAid and UNICEF. They are also commemorating MH Day in Peshawar in collaboration with WatSan Cell, a coordination hub for partners working in the WASH sector.

In Jordan, the country team will begin conducting menstrual hygiene management workshops in early June. This will allow menstruating people to receive active and targeted education on menstrual hygiene and health practices.

In cooperation with the GIZ project PREVEC the team in Colombia organizes a workshop on menstrual hygiene management for female waste pickers and their daughters. Important topics in the field of menstrual hygiene management will be addressed. These include dispelling myths and misconceptions about behaviour that is supposedly harmful during menstruation. Women and girls will be trained in safe and hygienic menstrual management and encouraged to talk openly about potential problems and fears. This is to ensure a safe and hygienic approach and to normalize the topic in society.

It is not only in external events that the topic of menstrual hygiene management is brought into sharper focus. Within GIZ in Colombia, there will be an online workshop for GIZ employees. This workshop will serve to address the “taboo topic” more openly and provide a platform for an exchange of experiences. In addition, the online event will be used as an opportunity to present the new menstrual hygiene equipment, which will be made available on a trial basis in the toilets of the GIZ country offices in Bogotá in the upcoming months.

World Water Day 2023: accelerating change to solve the water and sanitation crisis

Tizian — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 15:47:57 +0000

With the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 the global community committed to ensure clean water and sanitation for all by 2030. At the moment, we’re seriously off-track and thus this year’s World Water Day (WWD) is a reminder for everyone to take action and accelerate change.

Water is a vital resource – without water, life on earth is not possible. Moreover, a dysfunctional water cycle is undermining achievements in other sectors such as health, hunger, gender equality, economic development and climate change. Nevertheless, access to clean water and safe sanitation services remain a substantial challenge for communities around the globe. Nevertheless, around 3.6 billion people globally remain without access to safely managed sanitary facilities. 1.4 million people die annually and 74 million will have their lives shortened by diseases related to poor water, sanitation and hygiene. Financial resources and knowledge that are required to renovate, build, operate, and maintain sanitary facilities are often missing. In addition, the importance of safe hygiene practices for human health and well-being is commonly overlooked and vulnerable and disadvantaged groups are particularly affected.

In occasion of World Water Day 2023, Sanitation for Millionsorganized campaigns and programmes in its partner countries to raise awareness and to encourage people and counterparts to take action and accelerate change!

In Uganda, the situation is very special: Uganda does not only celebrate World Water Day, but they celebrate the Uganda Water and Environment Week (UWEWK), organized by the Ugandan Ministry of Water and Environment. The UWEWK seeks to contribute towards the attainment of sustainable socio-economic transformation and achieving the Ugandan National Development Plan. It provides an interface between different stakeholders for knowledge, information and idea exchange, dialoguing and learning for improvement of the country’s water and environment resources. It is a week full of activities and programmes to raise awareness and to implement new projects and measures referring to water!

At a kick-off event, the chairperson of the Parliamentary WASH forum Honorable Silas Agon visited a stall that was hosted jointly by Sanitation for Millions, Water and Sanitation for Refugee Uganda (WatSSUP) and the Natural Resources Stewardship Programme Uganda (NatuReS). On Thursday, 16^th March a Sanitation Financing Workshop took place. Keynote speaker Barbara Gerhager (GIZ), together with some panelists and the audience, discussed the topic “To be or not to be – the dilemma of household incentives for scaling-up safely managed sanitation”. The speakers conclude by agreeing that incentives will increase access to safely managed sanitation. Besides, Sanitation for Millions, together with the International Water Association (IWA) and the Uganda Ministry of Water and Environment, published two case studies on “Town Sanitation Planning: Towards inclusive safely managed sanitation in Northern Uganda” and “Financing incentives for improved access to safe household sanitation in Northern Uganda”.

In Jordan, Sanitation for Millions joined the Jordanian Ministry of Water and Irrigation in the celebration of World Water Day. Together they visited two public schools in Amman city on the 21^st and 22^nd of March. Around 220 pupils attended the first session. The Sanitation for Millions team presented concepts on safe hygiene and demonstrated the correct and safe way to handwashing and -sanitizing. To make it more interactive, quizzes and puzzles were given, and the participants competed among themselves to answer. The World Water Day is a great occasion to spread awareness and to discuss important and future-oriented ideas and developments. One big event to do so is the UN 2023 Water Conference which takes place in New York from March 22^nd till 24^th. Especially in times of climate change, increasing water-related natural disasters and rising numbers of waterborne diseases, it is more important than ever to raise awareness and to take action. Water is a key element when it comes to reaching the SDGs and to protect human and environmental health.