In a bid to bolster sanitation advocacy and enhance understanding of sanitation systems, ENPHO in collaboration with FANSA Regionals, successfully concluded an extensive 4-day on-demand online training on Shit Flow Diagrams (SFD). This transformative training aimed to enhance participants’ proficiency in utilizing SFD tools, encompassing SFD generation, report preparation, and review processes. The objective is to foster evidence-based advocacy tools and assist in formulating a Citywide Inclusive Sanitation Plan for cities in the foreseeable future.
The virtual training, conducted from April 2nd to 5th, 2024, observed the active participation of 34 individuals representing various national chapters of FANSA. The diverse cohort comprised focal persons, project coordinators, program managers, and advocacy officers from different regions across Nepal, as well as delegates from Bangladesh, India, Bhutan, Maldives, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and FANSA RS.
The inaugural day of the training commenced with a welcome extended by ENPHO’s Executive Director, Bhawana Sharma, Ms. Lajana Manandhar, FANSA Regional Convener, emphasized the significance of SFD training on a global scale and highlighted the relevance of the training for the attendees followed by a brief outline of the training objectives by Mr. Kabir Das Rajbhandari, Regional Coordinator of FANSA.
The training sessions were facilitated sby Mr. Jagam Shrestha, a Senior Research Officer with extensive experience in preparing SFDs for over 40 cities across Nepal. Mr. Subash KC moderated the sessions adeptly, ensuring a smooth flow of discussions and interactions among the participants.
Reflecting on the training experience, Anum Malik Mengal Advocacy Officer Quetta, Pakistan- “Despite initial technical challenges, the training became more comprehensible as it progressed. Practical exercises conducted during breaks significantly enhanced our understanding. I extend my gratitude to the facilitators for their excellent guidance.”
A.K.M. Abdul Matin, Program Manager, SKS Foundation “Participating in this training has been truly enlightening, especially given the pressing sanitation challenges our cities face. I appreciate the simplicity that Susana’s apps bring to SFD preparation, although the real hurdle lies in ensuring data accuracy and alignment with requirements. Moving forward, I am eager to apply the knowledge gained here to enhance sanitation practices in my country. I extend my gratitude to the organizers and fellow participants for their support and collaboration, and I look forward to continued engagement and improvement in our collective efforts towards better sanitation management.”
In his closing remarks, Mr. Shah Nasir Khisro, Regional Co-Convenor of FANSA, expressed gratitude for the innovative training and underscored the potential of SFDs as robust advocacy tools. He pledged to utilize SFDs in his work to ensure the safe management of sanitation services at the city level.
To gauge the participants’ understanding of the covered topics, a pretest consisting of 10 relevant questions was conducted, followed by the same set of questions as a post-test. The average pretest score gained by the participants was 40% which was found to increase to 60% in the post-test which shows a significant increase in their knowledge.
The successful completion of this training marks a significant milestone in advancing sanitation advocacy efforts, equipping participants with valuable skills and knowledge to drive positive change in their respective communities. With continued dedication and collaboration, the integration of SFDs into sanitation planning processes promises to yield tangible improvements in public health and urban development initiatives.
