Tuesday, November 18, 2008

World Toilet Day

World Toilet Day November 19

The World Toilet Organization (WTO) is a global non-profit organization committed to improving toilet and sanitation conditions worldwide. WTO is also one of the few organizations to focus on toilets instead of water, which receives more attention and resources under the common subject of sanitation.

WTO was created as a global network and service platform wherein all toilet and sanitation organizations can learn from one another and leverage on media and global support that in turn can influence governments to promote sound sanitation and public health policies.

In 2005, WTO started the world's first World Toilet College (WTC) providing training in toilet design, maintenance, School Sanitation and Disaster Sanitation and implementation of Sustainable Sanitation systems.

In addition to advocacy, capacity building and sanitation projects, WTO is now driving a market-based strategy to address the dysfunctional sanitation market for the poor, by installing efficient market infrastructure

About the founder Jack Sim
After attaining financial independence at the age of 40, Jack decided to devote the rest of his life to social work. He established the Restroom Association of Singapore (RAS) in 1998 to break the taboo of toilet and sanitation and legitimize it for mainstream culture. In 2001, Jack created the World Toilet Organization (WTO) as a global network and service platform wherein the various toilet associations, academia, government, UN agencies and toilet stakeholders can learn from one another and leverage on media and corporate support to influence governments to promote sound sanitation and public health policies.

I was lucky enough to see a TV show (Kennys World toilet tour) that actually had the founder of the World Toilet Organisation interviewed on it about 2 months ago. He said that Toilets and associated sanitation is still a taboo topic around the world. He said because there are no celebrities willing to put themselves out there to promote this subject, this problem does not get the attention it deserves. He said so many people out there esp celebrities are supporting AIDS,famines, animals, violence etc when in fact it is poor toilet sanitation that kills the most people around the world.

He wants us to put our taboos behind us and be brave enough to do some Toilet talk :)

I am grateful for flushing toilets... to commemorate World Toilet day I just may go and clean my two toilets :)

I was bought up with a healthy appreciation for water and bathrooms. When my mother was injured in a severe car accident when she was pregant with me she had to remain in hospital for a few months on her back and was unable to wash and use the bathroom. She always told us as children that she has always been grateful for a warm shower and bathroom ever since. She has never forgotten what blessings they are.

Enjoy world toilet day and all your "potty talk" :)

Go to www.worldtoilet.org to read more, donate and cause change

3 comments:

Calamity Cookie said...

Kenny's favourite day!

Jan said...

This is sort of funny to me. That last picture about made me bust. That is how I give birth practically in that position. I am grateful for toilets too. Seriously grateful. I can't imagine life without them. Thanks for this very important remembrance. Love it.

Now I am all flush.

chelle said...

This is good to know. m

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