World Toilet Day is November 19th. Perhaps fittingly, though not by design, it also marks the day that we arrived in Lagos, Nigeria to embark on another leg of our journey as Chandy Loos Foundation.

Starting and funding an NGO was certainly not part of the master plan when Chad and I left Calgary in 2016. We were looking for something more when we did, and we have found it. We met Lawrence, a Nigerian man with desire and vision for a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria. The CEWAS program brought us together, but it was Chad’s willingness to accept Lawrence’s invitation to visit his homeland that really ignited the flame. Chad has found his passion. And I am slowly, but surely, finding mine. The work that we do has been, and will be, life changing for so many, including us. 

Since its inception, Chandy Loos – powered by Chad’s desire to bring change – has built a pour flush toilet facility in Adejubu, and dug a bore hole in Apedu. Both of these communities have seen the positive effects that proper sanitation has had on their health. We want to do more of this, which is why we made the decision to come here. We will get more done.

We have so many exciting things going on right now. We have met so many like-minded people to work with on a variety of projects – composting outhouse toilets, biogas/biomass, an education program, marketing goods for a women’s co-operative. 

Since our arrival, we have made positive headway. We are not without challenges, of course. It sometimes feels like there are roadblocks at every step of the way, and I have found myself frustrated by this. I know that, with perseverance and effort, we can and will overcome these obstacles.