In honor of 2025’s World Toilet Day, we joined Kenny Canvas Kids at a local school in Ashaiman for an awareness-raising art class on sanitation and recycling. During this class, we combined creativity, sanitation education, and a fun introduction to Safisana’s circular model. 

World Toilet Day is a global reminder that safe sanitation is a basic human need that billions of people do not have. In non-sewered urban areas with a high population such as Ashaiman, safely managed sanitation protects public health, keeps the environment clean, and strengthens community wellbeing. Safisana offers that solution in the community with its waste-to-resource recycling plant. Our circular model combines waste and sanitation management, economic growth, social impact, and promotion of sustainable agriculture. 

Awareness Education in the Community through Art

The mission of Kenny Canvas Kids is to make art accessible to children in schools where it is normally not part of the curriculum. In light of today’s World Toilet Day, the art class incorporates an interactive session on sanitation and hygiene. While following the instructions and art techniques taught by Kenny, the children created their paintings, expressed what hygiene means to them, and how they can help protect their community’s health.

"Two years ago, I started Kenny Canvas because of my passion for art. Growing up and schooling in Nigeria and Ghana, I noticed there wasn’t much attention given to drawing, painting, or art in general. It was only later in life that I discovered some schools offer children the chance to explore the world of art. That inspired me to create Kenny Canvas Kids so children in less privileged schools can experience the joy, creativity, and confidence that art brings.  

My mission is to bring art into local schools to create opportunities for children to explore their creativity. Art helps with self-expression, emotional development, and even improves academic performance. I believe every child deserves access to these benefits, no matter their background."

Kennedy Salami, Founder of Kenny Canvas

Talking about the Power of Poop

Safisana’s Waste Sourcing Manager, Michael Oppong, joined the art class for an engaging talk about our work. The children learned about what happens to organic waste and how poop can turn into power.

Introducing the Safisana model to the children, and explaining that we use fecal waste to transform into renewable electricity, biogas, and Organic Fertilizer, started with some giggles. It was exciting to see the surprise on their faces when they realised that something that has a bit of taboo holds real power.

Abigail Oppong, school head of the school in Ashaiman says: "We enjoyed the session a lot! The children learned so much. The class has sparked a real interest in painting and drawing, and it has also changed the way they think about waste. They are now more conscious about how to keep their environment clean and are even asking how they can reuse or manage their own waste at home. The children loved the experience and are hoping to have more classes like this. Thank you once again, we look forward to seeing you again soon"

Your Poop is Power

Safisana is proud to work hand-in-hand with schools, community members, toilet operators, market women, farmers, and partners across Ashaiman. Over the years, we have significantly improved the understanding of Safisana, recycling and upcycling, and the value of bio-products in the community. Together, we ensure that the community's well-being is safeguarded by protecting our health, reducing pollution, generating clean energy, and building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities. 

Watch the video of our sanitation awareness art class in Ashaiman!

Over the coming weeks, we will share the stories from people behind Ashaiman’s sanitation ecosystems. Stay up to date by following us on our social media, and don’t forget to subscribe to our bi-annual newsletter.