UNICEF in Burundi has been supporting the government in implementing a long-term Community-Led  Total  Sanitation  (CLTS)  program  in  seven  provinces  with  low  basic sanitation coverage. The aim is to eradicate open-air defecation and assist communities in constructing adequate latrines while promoting positive sanitation practices. UNICEF contracted Lapis to create child-friendly materials that communicate the final evaluation of the CLTS approach.

In order to disseminate the report’s findings and raise awareness about the issue, Lapis has transformed the complex evaluation information into character-based story materials. These materials are designed to inform children and encourage them to adopt positive hygiene behaviors. The project involved developing an animated storybook and a video available in three languages. Lapis’ approach utilizes simplified child-friendly messaging, storytelling, and animated characters to deliver the information to Burundi’s youth, who have limited access to education and lower literacy levels.

The story is narrated by Keza, a young Burundian girl, who shares how her community used to suffer from various diseases due to open-air defecation. Keza also highlights how UNICEF’s CLTS approach has transformed lives in her community. The materials aim to raise awareness  about  proper  sanitation  practices  and  inspire  young  readers  to  become hygiene heroes and actively participate in improving their communities’ hygiene practices.