September 27, 2023
Nagasaki University
Moriyasu Taeko

Japan-ASEAN Online Program Towards SDGs

Flush Out the Differences:
A Cross-Cultural Workshop on Toilets and Sanitation
Overview:
Excretion is an essential activity for living organisms, and issues related to toilets
and hygiene are of utmost importance for humans to lead healthy and culturally
enriched lives. In this course, we will focus on achieving SDGs goals 3 and 6 by
exploring the theme of "Excretion and Toilets." Students from diverse backgrounds
in ASEAN countries and Japan will engage in group work to understand culturaldifferences and perceptions of toilets. This course also provides an opportunity topromote multicultural understanding.
Objectives:
1.

To understand SDGs goals 3 and 6:
3.3: By 2030, end the epidemics of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and neglected
tropical diseases and combat hepatitis, water-borne diseases and othercommunicable diseases.
6.2: By 2030, achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene
for all and end open defecation, paying special attention to the needs of womenand girls and those in vulnerable situations.

2.

To understand the historical and cultural background and differences inperceptions related to toilets and excretion.

3.

To deepen mutual understanding and empathy by respecting each other as
individuals regardless of race, religion, or cultural background.

Expected Outcomes:
1.

Increased awareness and understanding of the importance of toilets andhygiene in achieving SDGs goals 3 and 6.

2.

Enhanced intercultural communication skills through group work with students
from diverse backgrounds in ASEAN countries and Japan.

3.

Improved ability to generate ideas and solutions to realize better toilet
environments and hygiene conditions, while considering cultural differences
and perceptions related to toilets.

Schedule:
December 12th (Tue) -15th (Fri), 2023
Date
Day 1 Dec 12 (Tue)Time (JST) Activities
17:00-19:00
17:00
Opening Ceremony
17:15
Keynote Lecture
18:00
Ice-breaking activities in 10 groups
18:15
Interview Survey I: "Taboos related to excretion"
18:45
Wrap-up & Homework: "Collect toilet photos"
19:00
End of Day 1
Day 2 Dec 13 (Wed) 17:00-19:30
17:00
Ice-breaking activities
17:15
Interview Survey II: "What types of toilets are there in your country?"
18:30
Group Presentation (10 groups, 5 min each)
19:20
Wrap-up & Homework: "Diseases caused by contaminated water"
19:30
End of Day 2
Extracurricular Activities
Day 3 Dec 14 (Thu)Day 4 Dec 15 (Fri)19:30-20:00 Free Conversation in themed breaking rooms
17:00-19:30
17:00
Ice-breaking activities
17:15
Group Work: "Design a toilet on a deserted island"(What kind of toilet? Materials? Privacy? Cleaning? Treatment of excrement?)
18:30
Presentation Preparation
19:20
Wrap-up & Homework: "Toilet use for marginalized individuals"
19:30
End of Day 3
Extracurricular Activities
19:30-20:00 Free Conversation in themed breaking rooms
17:00-19:00
17:00
Group Presentations & Discussion"What is good and what is bad?" (10 groups, 10 min each)
18:45
Closing Ceremony
19:00
End of Course

Course Work Instructions:Interview Survey

We will conduct an interview survey to understand each other's culturalbackgrounds and differences in perceptions. Ask each other in a group about thecultural background, environment, and hygiene conditions related to toilets andexcretion.
Group WorkWe will exchange ideas and thoughts in a simulation game on designing toilets
and managing hygiene in a resource-limited situation on a deserted island.
Through this group work, we can consider the issue of toilet installation in lowresource countries more closely. Group work will follow the ground rules below:

1.

A facilitator chosen within the group will organize the group work.

2.

The facilitator actively seeks input from participants who refrain fromspeaking.

3.

Use plain English as much as possible.

4.

Remember "Leave no one behind", which is the SDGs transformative promise.

Presentation

We will present ideas for improving toilet environments and hygiene conditions bydesigning toilets on a deserted island. We will receive feedback from others.
Extracurricular Activities:
For extracurricular activities, participation is optional for those who wish to join.
Participants are free to enter and exit breakout rooms to enjoy conversations. In
each breakout room, a TA will host and facilitate conversations among participantson specific themes.
Organizers:
Nagasaki University, Okayama University, and SUN/SixERS
Targeted participants:
Students from AUN and SUN/SixERS member universities who are interested inSDGs.
Language:
EnglishPlatform:
Zoom and Google slides
Certification:
After completing the program, participants will receive certificates issued by AUNand SixERS if their attendance rate is more than 80%.
Criteria for recruitment:
The program will admit 60 students, with 50 from AUN and 10 from SixERS. In theevent of an excess of applications, participants will be selected based on theirreasons for applying and their English language proficiency. Successful applicants
will receive a confirmation email by November 30, 2023.