About

The founding thought for German Toilet Organization (GTO) was sparked in 2004, during reconstruction work after the devastating tsunami in Southeast Asia: It became apparent that most organisations lacked the necessary expertise to successfully implement sustainable sanitation – and many neglected the issue altogether. GTO was created on 31 October 2005, as a body, which puts sanitation in the spotlight and helps others to improve their work in this field.

Vision

All people have access to a sustainable and safe sanitation and water supply in accordance with human rights and independently practice basic principles of hygiene.

Scope of Work

As a not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation, GTO is active in the fields of development cooperation, humanitarian assistance, as well as health and environmental protection.

Mode of Operandi

GTO is a thematic organisation. Although it was initially started to tackle the international sanitation crisis, GTO is committed to empowering and helping all persons affected by inadequate sanitation, water supply and hygiene, regardless of whether they live abroad or in Germany. This means that GTO is able to transfer domestic sanitation experience to international settings and vice versa – unlike any other organisation.

The challenges of the global sanitation crisis are complex and overwhelming; solving them requires well-coordinated efforts from all stakeholders. GTO is active in a wide range of networks and cooperates with a large number of public and government institutions, companies and other organisations. In doing so, GTO usually acts as a mediator and multiplier. By strengthening the issue and helping other actors make an improved contribution to sustainable sanitation, water supply and hygiene, GTO achieves the greatest possible positive impact with a very efficient use of resources.

Areas of Activity

GTO uses its numerous contacts, methodological competencies and extensive expertise in campaigns, child and youth education, adult education, policy work and technical support to improve sanitation, water supply and hygiene – thereby protecting human dignity, health and the environment.

  1. GTO disseminates its comprehensive expertise on sanitation and hygiene. It gathers, prepares and disseminates expertise in a targeted and needs-based manner, for example in training courses for employees of other organisations.
    Visit the Capacity Development section

  2. GTO breaks the toilet taboo and strengthens political will. Through campaigns, events and networking, the GTO supports decision-makers and politicians in creating the necessary structural conditions for "sanitation for all" to become a reality.
    Visit the policy section

  3. GTO is committed to safe, clean and hygienic school toilets. Competition formats, teaching materials and development education concepts mobilise students and adults in their communities to improve sanitation in schools.
    Visit the school section

History
Team
Schools
Svenja Ksoll
Svenja Ksoll
  • Senior Project Coordinator WASH in schools
Schools
Vivienne Krüsemer
Vivienne Krüsemer
  • Project Coordinator WASH in schools
Schools
Svenja Schrader
Svenja Schrader
  • Project Coordinator WASH in schools
  • WASH Systems
Schools
Beatrice Lange
Beatrice Lange
  • Project Coordinator Global Learning
  • on parental leave
Capacity Development
Robert Gensch
Robert Gensch
  • Senior Project Coordinator WASH Capacity Development
Capacity Development
Alexandra Höhne
Alexandra Höhne
  • Senior Project Coordinator WASH Capacity Development
  • WASH Systems
Capacity Development
Thorsten Reckerzügl
Thorsten Reckerzügl
  • Senior Project Coordinator WASH Capacity Development
Capacity Development
Natalie Rzehak
Natalie Rzehak
  • Senior Project Coordinator WASH Capacity Development
Policy
Johannes Rück
Johannes Rück
  • Deputy Executive Director
Organization
Thilo Panzerbieter
Thilo Panzerbieter
  • Executive Director
  • Senior WASH Expert
Organization
Manuela Fuchs
Manuela Fuchs
  • Assistant to the Executive Director
  • Project Assistance
Organization
Hélène Cordes
Hélène Cordes
  • Project Assistance Finance
  • Project Assistance
Organization
Klaus Panzerbieter
Klaus Panzerbieter
  • Volunteering Treasurer
Organization
Jan-Hendrik Schmidt
Jan-Hendrik Schmidt
  • Communication Designer
Organization
Katharina Faik
Katharina Faik
  • Junior Project Assistance
Organization
Moritz Schulze
Moritz Schulze
  • Junior Project Assistance
Board
Dr. Reinhard Marth
Dr. Reinhard Marth
  • Head of the Board of Directors
Board
Barbara Wagner
Barbara Wagner
  • Member of the Board of Directors
Board
Dr. Kilian Langenbach
Dr. Kilian Langenbach
  • Member of the Board of Directors
External Supporters
Dr. Tom Keating
Dr. Tom Keating
  • Senior Education Adviser
External Supporters
Stefan Hampel
Stefan Hampel
  • Technical Adviser