Toilets Making the Grade® (TMG) Competitions Empower Schools in Pakistan, Uganda, and Colombia to Improve Sanitation
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 15th.
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.
