In Cameroon’s rural areas, 67% of people do not have access to safe and improved sanitation facilities. Among those who do have a latrine, 32% use a pit latrine without a cement slab or secure hole.  The need for safe, private, and sanitary latrines is felt across the country, but is especially evident at rural schools where thousands of children lack access.   For example, at GS Nkeng Primary School in Bome Valley, there have been 3 recorded incidents of students falling into the toilet pit, which lead to the head teacher banning use of the toilet.  Students instead have to relieve themselves in nearby bushes and streams.

One Day’s Wages partnered with Vicony’s Global Success World – a Cameroonian community-based organization – to improve hygiene and sanitation practices at GS Nkeng Primary School.  First, a latrine with private sections and proper roofing was constructed on school grounds.  Then, workshops were held to educate students and staff about improved hygiene and sanitation, and to train school administrators to maintain the toilet for years to come.  Among the students who participated in this workshop, 100% demonstrated increased knowledge in health and hygiene! Through our partnership, 270 students and teachers now have access to a clean and safe latrine while at school.