Crowds of children helped to break the toilet taboo in Vienna.

What started as a side-programme to the exhibition quickly became the key attraction of the event. A puppet theatre and educational activities for children drew more school and pre-school groups than we had ever expected. And the happy bustle of the youngsters convinced older passer-bys to also stop and watch.

Newspapers announced that locals could come to have their picture taken to be transformed into a figure and thereby become part of the travelling exhibition. The children’s open approach to this basic human need provided a great example for the adults and encouraged many supporters to participate in the competition (pants up!). By the end of the week the campaign had two new “orange squatters”. Another new figure was provided by eight year old Birgit’s excellent drawing.

Local organisers, EcoSan Club and their event partners, would like to thank all participants, but particularly the children, who were such great sanitation advocates!

The event was made possible with support from the Austrian Development Agency. Further support was provided by CWS, Catholic Children’s Movement (Dreikönigsaktion) and the University of Natural Resources and Applied Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU).