I was used to a stone top and a pit latrine to relieve myself, and I'm now used to high quality toilet pots. I've immensely surprised my butts who'd had the bad experiences of smelly open-air toilets.
However, being a teacher, I had the privilege to change things on the ground since I already had enough bad toilet memories from my primary school to university. Similarly, I was aware of how bad the toilets are in our communities. Back in my mind, I always want to change the toilet thing especially for young school children who would become the future leaders. I have shared my bad toilet experiences with them. I've also shared the benefits of "clean and safe" toilets in some open forums and during the Morning Assembly. Other than sharing my personal experiences, I couldn't do much to change the toilet thing, as it comes down to a question of money and expertise. However, BTO came as a blessing to me. Nothing was going right until 2015, when I got a chance to become a BTO member and soon after, I was chosen to become a BTO Ambassador of Zhemgang.
The real twist happened only after I joined to work for BTO. Since then, BTO was at its initial phase, however the organization was mainly formed to change the toilet mentality and to improve the sanitation of school children and so far they have done many good jobs in keeping intact with their objectives and mission –Clean Toilet For All.
With Save the Children funding and the BTO expertise, my school and schools across Zhemgang got several training on how to upgrade dysfunctional toilets, supply of SATO pan and advise whenever required. I made a significant change in the existing toilets at school and across the public places with the help of the BTO office.
The 2-day conference came as a blessing for all the BTO ambassadors working across the dzongkhags to know each other personally, upscale the toilet knowledge and to share and showcase the experiences and way forward in combating toilet challenges. It was also a platform to clear our doubts and know about the roles and responsibilities of BTO ambassadors. Discussing on the ToR, plan of action, fundraising programs and keeping records of funds have greatly motivated and enriched our knowledge on toilets.
Now with training, I was fully equipped, motivated and inspired to work even more for the cause of toilets, which ultimately would benefit the organization I am working with and the community around. Now I am equipped to build toilets for big public gatherings and gained enough knowledge on how to effectively manage toilets.
I have been working with BTO as a Zhemgang Ambassador from the birth of BTO. However, without formal training and clear-cut roles, I was unaware, but kept working on various public gatherings like –annual Tshechu, Monlam Chenmo, Bazaguru Drungdrub. Now with ToR in hand, I became fully aware of my roles. I can take this mission forward in all my capacities and dedicate my service to the people of Bhutan at all times.
As we reach wide in the communities everyone feels the need of "cool looking toilets". With the help of BTO, toilets have become an easy-talk thing for every household. BTO is an incredible organization, I'm really proud to be part of it.
GNH philosophy has earned us a "green spot" in the world and with MoH new mission of 100 percent pours flush toilets by 2022 in the country –would double our strength.
Tashi Delek sir
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