Proposed measure by SPD focuses on maintaining hygienic school restrooms
In the city of Oberhausen, Germany, a significant push is underway to improve school toilet conditions, inspired by the success of the Hellweg Realschule in Unna-Massen. Denise Horn, the spokesperson for school and social policy of the SPD faction, believes that such local initiatives, supported by politics and administration, can make a substantial difference.
The Hellweg Realschule's renovated toilet, now a departure from the often rundown school toilets familiar to current and former students, has become a model of excellence. The school's restroom facilities, boasting a photo mural of a beach at sunset, warm lighting, houseplants, and stars on the ceiling, won one of the three main prizes in the nationwide competition "Toilets Make School."
The competition, taken seriously and pursued by Denise Horn and the SPD, is not limited to the Hellweg Realschule in Unna-Massen but aims to be implemented in Oberhausen's schools. A locally feasible concept should be developed and implemented for a school in Oberhausen, in collaboration with students, to promote better hygiene, comfort, and overall well-being for students in the region.
The renovation of the toilet at the Hellweg Realschule was a joint effort by the school management, teaching staff, student and parent community, and sponsors. If the project is successful, the model should be implemented throughout Oberhausen's school landscape.
The SPD has already submitted an application for a similar project in Oberhausen's schools before the holidays. The administration is asked to contact both the Hellweg Realschule in Unna-Massen for a practical understanding of the project and the German Toilet Organization (GTO) for information about the "Toilets Make School" competition.
At least 135 schools from 14 federal states participated in the "Toilets Make School" competition, demonstrating a growing national interest in improving school toilet conditions. As Oberhausen embarks on this initiative, it joins a movement that prioritises the well-being of students and fosters a cleaner, more welcoming environment in schools across the country.
The SPD's application for a similar project in Oberhausen's schools, inspired by the success of the Hellweg Realschule and the "Toilets Make School" competition, aims to promote education-and-self-development by fostering better hygiene, comfort, and overall well-being for students in the region. By collaborating with the Hellweg Realschule, the German Toilet Organization, and local schools, this initiative aligns with the national movement prioritizing the well-being of students, creating a cleaner, more welcoming environment that encourages learning and personal growth.
