By GWSC and AIT Public Affairs
20 November 2024: The Global Water & Sanitation Center (GWSC) at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), in collaboration with AIT International School (AITIS), marked World Toilet Day 2024 with a series of creative and interactive initiatives to educate and inspire young minds on the importance of sanitation. The week-long celebration, culminating in an award ceremony on 19 November, aimed to raise awareness of critical global sanitation issues, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, 5, and 6.
This year, the theme for the day was “Toilets: A Place for Peace.” Throughout the week, AITIS participated in various activities highlighting the importance of toilets and proper sanitation. Grade 4 students demonstrated their creativity by designing posters that illustrated their understanding of sanitation needs and innovative toilet concepts. This activity encouraged them to think critically about how toilets contribute to health and dignity.
Meanwhile, Grades 5 and 6 participated in a diorama competition, where groups of five students, mentored by GWSC staff, designed 3D models of inclusive, eco-friendly toilets. Their designs incorporated thoughtful features like accessibility ramps, water-saving mechanisms, and sustainable materials, reflecting their understanding of practical sanitation solutions.
The student’s artistic and design projects were featured in an exhibition at the AIT Conference Center from 13 to 19 November, open to the AIT community. The event offered an opportunity for attendees to engage with the students’ work and support their efforts as advocates for global sanitation challenges.
Dr. Kavinda Gunasekara, the COO of GWSC, expressed his gratitude for the collaboration between GWSC and AITIS. He praised the students for their creativity and emphasized the importance of inspiring young minds to become changemakers. Dr. Gunasekara encouraged the students to believe in their ability to develop sustainable solutions for their communities. He also expressed optimism for continued collaboration with AITIS in the future.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony that celebrated the exceptional efforts and creativity of students from Grades 4 to 6. The winners in the Poster category were: 1st place – Pakin Uchaipichat, 2nd place – Reina Sofia Shishido, and 3rd place – Anubhav Naskar.
Honorable mentions included Marushika Chintaluri, Yada Laphasanoi, Okith Rithma Gunasekara, Thammasak Tongsomporn, Kornnapat Koosakij, Silpakorn Salee, Chawin Mangkang, Warayus Koonsawasdikool, Ruechawich Kittiyawat, and Rachata Chalermchat.
In the 3D Toilet Design Diorama category, the top honors were awarded as follows: 1st place for the “Inclusive Toilet” design by Neti Chitsomboon, Tonduangtham Shukla, Nara Rublakha, Ramida Phattharamanat, and Peerawich Chiamchanya, mentored by Mostafizur Rahman.
2nd place went to the “Portable Toilet” design by Jirapat Kudeerak, Ron Paopahol, Chayapon Asavatesanupap, Athiwat Apichatjirachot, and Wariya Koonsawasdikool, under the mentorship of Kimberly Tupaz.
3rd place was awarded to the “Universal Toilet” design by Chanadol Kraikruan, Proundparefha Onyon, Carlo Khiem Virdis, Anittha Romputtal, and Thamesnattee Hansapinyo, guided by mentor Harshi Sirisena. An honorablemention was given to the “Eco-Friendly Toilet” design by Kalsang Blon, Similan Neo Laungararm, Chakkrit Phonsila, Pudd Sawatduang, and Chalanthron Uthaithum, mentored by Suyasha Shah.
This initiative not only celebrated the innovative talents of the young participants but also inspired a new generation of leaders committed to advocating for sustainable and accessible sanitation solutions.
