Making art of sanitation

Some of competition winners hold up their awards.

Credit: WaterAid

WaterAid in Pakistan held a children's art competition in August 2008 to raise awareness about sanitation and hygiene.

Local schools from the three provinces in which WaterAid works - Punjab, Sindh and NWFP - held the competition with support from partner organisations. Children created pictures showing the impact of poor and improved sanitation in their communities and the top three entries from each region were submitted to a judging panel of local artists.

Pamela Rodrigues, WaterAid in Pakistan's Country Representative, explained how the competition helped educate people on good sanitation and hygiene practices:

"Sanitation is not just about building latrines but about changing the mindset of the people. Children are one group we must focus on to encourage this change in behaviour. They will pass the message on to others and to future generations."

The winners were announced at an International Year of Sanitation celebration event in Islamabad which was covered by local and national media. Ishtiak Ahmad Khan, Pakistan's Additional Secretary for the Environment, presented winners with their prizes as they each gave a speech on the importance of sanitation and good hygiene behaviour. Their fantastic artwork will be transformed into a 'WaterAid in Pakistan' calendar.