Families and communities in 10 developing countries will have a much longed for but rather unusual Christmas present thanks to people of the Isle of Man this year.
So far nearly 70 latrines will be built following the Island’s response to a toilet twinning campaign, supported locally by the One World Centre and Churches Together in Mann.
Students from Ballakermeen High School raised enough money to twin six toilets - one for each year group – in Sierra Leone, Cambodia, Uganda, Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Staff at the Department of Education and Children at Hamilton House have also twinned their toilet with one in India.
Meanwhile Broadway Baptist Church have not only twinned all 11 of their own toilets, they have raised enough money to “guerrilla twin” four others on the Island. Individual congregation members have also joined in by twinning their own home toilets.
The toilet twinning campaign seeks to raise awareness of the fact that over one third of the world’s population do not have access to a safe, clean and hygienic loo. Twinning raises funds to enable people living in poor communities to have clean water, a decent toilet, and to learn about hygiene – a vital combination that prevents the spread of disease, reduces the number of deaths among children, and brings hope for the future.
One World Centre Director Rosemary Clarke says “We have been delighted with the response to the toilet twinning campaign. We often get some strange looks when we mention toilet twinning but once people understand the concept and how it can so drastically improve the lives of others, it’s something people are very happy to support. It’s also an idea they can have a lot of fun with!”
Toilet Twinning CEO Lorraine Kingsley is thrilled at how different groups on the Isle of Man have taken up the challenge to twin as many toilets as possible.
“They certainly do seem to be on a roll and we’re so grateful for their enthusiasm, creativity and support,” she says. “Toilets are literally life-savers in the countries where we work, so our toilet twinners can be assured that their efforts will make a world of difference to the families who’ll receive a latrine as a result.”
For more information on how you can twin your toilet visit www.toilettwinning.org.
