A “SMALL” donation by a glazing company will change the lives of countless numbers of school children in Africa for years to come.
S&K Windows, based in Northallerton, is the latest company to sign up to a revolutionary toilet twinning scheme that aims to change the lives of people around the world.
Toilet Twinning funds the work of international development agency Tearfund.
Money donated to the scheme is used to provide clean water and basic sanitation in impoverish communities around the world.
Barnard Castle resident Ian Blake, who was responsible for arranging the first twinned toilet in town, matching St Mary’s Church with a community in Sierra Leone introduced Steve Darby, from S&K Windows, to the scheme.
Mr Darby, who is arranging a replacement conservatory for Mr Blake, thought the scheme was “life changing” and decided to sign his company up.
However instead of donating £60, which helps fund one toilet, he handed over £240 which means a community in Malawi will now end up with a block of four loos.
Mr Darby said: “As a company we have donated to all sorts of clubs and sports organisations but when we were talking to Ian about the toilet twinning scheme, I just thought it was such value for money.
“For us it such a small amount but it is going to make such a difference to all the school children and the wider community.”
Mr Blake added: “The toilets at the school will make a huge difference for the students and the community. Children often miss school because they are sick or they’re busy collecting water.
“These toilets will be particularly vital for girls, who often drop out of school when they start their periods if there are no toilets or changing rooms.
“So the toilets will not only reduce disease and sickness it will keep children in school.”
Mr Blake presented Mr Darby with a certificate for participating in the scheme.
The certificate details the location of the new school toilet block with GPS co-ordinate.
