Improving School Sanitation

Changing the lives of school children across Africa and Asia

At SATO, we’re in the business of creating change for communities. But there’s much more to be done and we are always looking for ways in which we can make our innovative solutions available for more people.

In 2020, we launched the School Toilet Enhancement Programme (STEP), an initiative that upgrades toilets in Tanzania, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria and Bangladesh.

According to a UNICEF and WHO report, in Africa and Asia, half of schools don’t have an improved toilet, meaning millions of children have to contend with the lack of basic hygiene facilities during their education, putting their health at risk and meaning some have to miss school, especially girls during menstruation.

This is why we have created STEP, our School Toilet Enhancement Programme, an initiative that upgrades toilets with the aim of reducing one of the barriers to school attendance – inadequate sanitation and hygiene facilities.

Schools are often at the centre of their communities. They become the focal points where the residents come together for celebrations, meetings, weddings, and other social activities. This is another reason why STEP is so important – not only does it provide better conditions for the hundreds of school children at each school, but also benefits parents, teachers, and the whole community. So far, 52 schools have been upgraded and over 69,000 children have benefitted.

Want to support the STEP initiative?

We often get asked, “How can I get involved?” Therefore, we have created an online retail store called the SATO Shop where you can purchase quality items and gifts contributing to improving school sanitation in Africa and Asia.

SATO have selected several artists from the regions in which we operate and have placed their art on merchandise that can be worn or used to show your support. Because what you do and wear today can change the lives of school children tomorrow.

All proceeds from the SATO Shop support the School Toilet Enhancement Programme, so you know that when you shop you are helping to create a brighter future for school going children in rural areas of Asia and Africa.

Visit the SATO Shop now