National Water and Sanitation Training Centre (NWSSTC) and the Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) jointly organized an eight-day training program on ‘Training of Trainers on Citywide Inclusive Sanitation approach’ (CWIS) on 1st- 8th December, 2023 at NWSSTC Hall Nagarkot. An 8-day training commenced with an opening session attended by notable figures including Kamal Raj Shrestha, the Director-General of the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management (DWSSM), Raju Mahat, Chief of NWSSTC, Bhawana Sharma, Executive Director of ENPHO, and Ahamed Alaudin, Program Manager ITN-BUET and shared their remarks. The program aimed to create the “pool of resources” with enhanced knowledge on CWIS approach and skills on training delivery for further cascading the information on CWIS approach.
Figure 1: Group photo after the Inauguration Ceremony
Representatives from various agencies, including the Ministry of Water Supply (MoWS), the Department of Water Supply and Sewerage Management (DWSSM), municipalities, private consultants, and development organizations, came together for this training program. Altogether 21 participants with 30% female representation participated in the training belonging from diverse backgrounds, including sanitation professionals, engineers, and social workers.
The training program covered a wide range of topics related to CWIS, covering urban sanitation options, the institutional and legal framework for Fecal Sludge Management (FSM), components of the CWIS service framework, application of CWIS principles, equity and safety in CWIS service outcomes, global and national equity practices, CWIS functions, responsibilities, accountability, resource planning and management, sustainability of CWIS service outcomes, and the crucial role of private sector engagement.
The training adopted a participatory approach, encouraging active engagement and collaboration among participants. Group discussions, case studies, and practical exercises were incorporated to enhance the learning experience. As part of the program, participants had the opportunity to visit a Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant, gaining practical insights into the treatment and management of faecal sludge. The objective of the field visit was to critically analyze the FSTP through the lens of CWIS and its components.
Figure 2: Field Visit to FSTP, Lubhu
The final evaluation of the training program revealed positive feedback, with participants reporting that all their expectations were met. The cumulative post-test results showed significant improvement in participants’ knowledge, with all of them achieving better scores compared to their pre-test results.
Madhav Prasad Adhikari, Deputy Director General of DWSSM, “expressed deep appreciation for the training program, emphasizing the challenge and opportunity it presents in applying the newly acquired knowledge in real-world”. Participants, Prakash Paudel, acknowledged “the value of the training, noting its impact on their future careers and the expanded understanding of CWIS.”
The positive feedback received from participants reinforces the value and relevance of the program, with attendees expressing their willingness to apply their newly developed knowledge in their respective professions. This training program marks a significant step forward in achieving the goal of universal access to sanitation and ensuring the well-being of urban communities.
The 8th day of training concluded with a formal closing ceremony. During this session, Mr. Madhav Prasad Adhikari, Deputy Director General DWSS), Mr. Raju Mahat, Chief NWSSTC, Mr. Rajiv Joshi, Chairperson ENPHO, Ms. Sudha Shrestha, Secretariat of UN Habitat, and Ms. Bhawana Sharma, Executive Director ENPHO, were honored as chief guests. They shared their remarks on the training, and additionally, four participants voluntarily shared their views. At the end of the closing ceremony, certificates, which are ISO 9001:2015 certified, were distributed to each participant.