THW / GTO Workshops 2026
WASH Essentials: Latrine Construction in Emergencies
In 2026, the German Toilet Organization (GTO) and the German Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) will again offer a practical course on the construction of sanitation facilities in humanitarian contexts.
It consists of an online module to provide the theoretical background and an associated 1-week practical module in presence at the premises of the THW training center in Neuhausen.
The online module provides a comprehensive overview of the technical and non-technical challenges, potentials and intervention options in the field of sanitation in humanitarian emergency and transitional aid, including numerous project examples from a wide range of contexts. In the subsequent practical module, participants will have the opportunity to develop sanitation solutions for different humanitarian contexts themselves and build them in teams under experienced guidance in the field.
The course is developed and implemented in close cooperation between THW and GTO.
Course Schedule
Online module: May 11-15, 2026
Practical Module: The practical module will take place from June 8-12, 2026 at the premises of the THW training center in Neuhausen, Germany.
Application: The application form can be accessed through the following link. The deadline is March 20, 2026.
Workshop Contents
The workshop has a theory and a practice part.
- Technical overview of sanitation solutions in emergency and transitional aid
- Construction (practice) of context-specific sanitary solutions using locally available materials (incl. system selection, dimensioning, material science etc.)
- Use, operation and maintenance of sanitary facilities
- Emergency sanitation in urban areas
- Technical innovations in the sector
- WASH minimum standards in humanitarian aid
- Cultural and gender-specific challenges in the sanitation sector
- Hygiene education and non-technical measures
- Project examples and practical exercises
- Design of building plans
General Information
- The course is designed for volunteers of the THW, members of the WASH network and is open for international humanitarian aid workers.
- Previous knowledge of WASH and humanitarian aid is helpful
- The course language is German and English, course materials are provided in English
- No course fees will be charged
- Accommodation and meals during the 5-day course are provided by the THW Bundesschule
- Travel costs to the THW Bundeschule in Neuhausen have to be covered by the participants themselves
- The number of participants from the WASH network is limited to 6 persons
- Applications from persons from WASH network member organisations and corresponding previous experience will be given priority for selection
- To apply, please use the following application form. Deadline is March 20, 2026.
- It is a practically oriented course. In order to finish latrines, sessions may take longer and last into the evening.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us: Robert Gensch (Email: robert.gensch [at] germantoilet.org, Tel: 030-41934345)
Application
One third of the places is reserved for participants from WASH network organisations. Exceptions to membership in the WASH network can be made if applicant is suitable. Persons with appropriate previous experience in the WASH field and in humanitarian aid please apply via the following link. Volunteers of the THW please register directly via the THW and the federal school.
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