Flushing Away Barriers: Our Commitment to Dignity and Health
On November 19th, as the world observes World Toilet Day, World Vision International (WVI) Nepal reflects on its profound impact in transforming lives through improved sanitation. This year, we celebrate not just the infrastructure we've built, but the dignity, health, and hope we've restored in communities across Nepal, from bustling schools to households recovering from disaster.
Education is the cornerstone of development, and a safe learning environment is paramount. Recognising the critical link between sanitation and school attendance, especially for girls, World Vision Nepal has made significant investments in institutional toilet support. Through our Strategic Cycle (FY21-25), we proudly report the construction of 69 new toilets in 69 schools and the repair of 22 toilets in 22 schools. These facilities provide students with hygienic, private spaces, reducing illness, promoting better health practices, and ensuring that no child misses out on education due to inadequate sanitation.
When disaster strikes, basic necessities become lifelines. In the aftermath of the West Nepal Earthquake, World Vision swiftly responded to the urgent need for sanitation. Our emergency response program saw the completion of 651 temporary toilets with water points for households. These vital interventions, supported by funding from Start Fund (131 toilets) and the Hong Kong Government Grant (520 toilets), were crucial in preventing disease outbreaks and restoring a sense of normalcy and dignity to families displaced and affected by the crisis.
At World Vision, we believe in the power of community voice. Our Post-Distribution Monitoring Report from the West Earthquake Response Project in Jajarkot provides compelling evidence of our impact. We are incredibly proud that 100% of respondents expressed satisfaction with the quantity of Dignity Kits and toilet support provided. This high level of satisfaction extends to other essential items, with 99% satisfied with stationery and hygiene kits and 98% with winterisation support. These numbers aren't just statistics; they represent lives improved and dignity upheld.
The true measure of our work lies in the stories of the people we serve. Dil from Jajarkot beautifully expresses the impact: "We were going to the neighbor’s house for toilet use, but now we are using the one at home given by WVI Nepal & PTYSM (WV's partner organization). This has played an important role in our cleanliness." This simple yet profound statement underscores the transformative power of a clean, accessible toilet—it's about privacy, health, and a return to daily routines with dignity.
On World Toilet Day 2025, World Vision International Nepal reaffirms its constant commitment to achieving universal access to sustainable sanitation. We will continue to work hand-in-hand with communities, partners, and governments to construct essential infrastructure, promote hygiene education, and respond effectively to emergencies. Every toilet built, every life touched, moves us closer to a healthier, more equitable Nepal where everyone can experience the dignity of safe sanitation.
Authored by: Udaya B. Thapa (Senior Infrastructure Specialist - Field Operations) and Uma Thapa (Communications Manager)