Pilot project for clean toilets starts at Bocholt comprehensive school

School toilets are among the most sensitive areas of everyday school life and pose particular challenges for many schools. At Bocholt Comprehensive School, too, there is occasionally a need for additional action in heavily frequented sanitary areas. The school is therefore now implementing a pilot project, which was made possible by a fundraising run by the school community.

Part of the money was donated to the partner school in Uganda. The remaining money collected will be used to fund a toilet attendant, who is due to start work after the Christmas holidays.

The attendant from the contracted cleaning company will initially keep an eye on cleanliness and tidiness during school hours until the 20th calendar week after the Easter holidays, carry out minor cleaning work and help prevent damage caused by vandalism. The aim is to improve everyday life in the toilet areas, strengthen the students' sense of responsibility and ensure a well-kept environment. The daily basic cleaning by the city will continue to be carried out by the contracted cleaning company and will be supplemented by the additional staff.

"As a school authority, we are aware of the particular challenges associated with school toilets, both structurally and in daily use", explains Jonas Bühs, Head of Schools at the City of Bocholt. As this is not an isolated case in Bocholt, but a well-known issue throughout Germany, the city sees the comprehensive school's own initiative as an important opportunity to test alternative approaches under real conditions. "In view of the limited possibilities of the school authorities, it is also important to promote new ideas - the pilot project can provide valuable experience", continues Bühs.

The toilet facilities at the comprehensive school were recently renovated and repainted by the city, so the project is starting on an improved spatial basis. The Friends' Association is also helping to get the project off to a successful start by providing financial support for hygiene products and a visual upgrade of the sanitary facilities. "The vast majority of pupils use the toilets responsibly", explains Headmaster Jens Heinemann, "the project was therefore also developed in close cooperation with the pupils, the Friends' Association and the parents. We are consciously focussing on positive aspects and joint commitment"

With the hoped-for positive experiences from the project, those involved also hope that everyone will be encouraged to adopt more conscious and considerate behaviour. After the end of the pilot phase between Christmas and shortly after the Easter holidays, the comprehensive school would like to examine whether and in what form a continuation makes sense - for example through further fundraising campaigns or alternative financing models.