Safe Sanitation and Restoring Hope for Priscilla Matoke
Priscilla suffers from knee arthritis, confirmed by a clinical diagnosis. Her most basic need which is using the latrine had become a daily battle. The pit latrine, 20 meters from her home, was nearly inaccessible. To stand after squatting, she would grasp sisal ropes tied to poles on both ends, risking a fall and further injury. For her, going to the toilet meant pain, fear, and helplessness.
Priscilla Matoke looking on as volunteers and Action Smiles International members help her trim her hedges, overgrowth and bushes
This moment ignited an idea: What if we could redesign the toilet experience for the elderly? That’s how the “Smilers Seat” was born a simple, sturdy, iron-framed toilet stool with a comfortable top that restores safety, and independence to elderly users.
When we returned months later with a new Smilers Seat since the original had worn out from use , Priscilla greeted us with warmth despite the heavy rains. We found her sitting by the fireplace , alone, surviving on irregular meals and goodwill. She has no income and travels 30 km to the nearest hospital when she can.
But the Smilers Seat changed something, it gave her comfort, control, and confidence that she is not alone.
Through Priscilla, we uncovered a deeper need, hundreds of elderly women in rural Kisii silently suffer the same fate. Arthritis, disability, and isolation deny them access to safe sanitation, proper nutrition, and healthcare.
Sisal string on loo for support
The “Smilers Seat” presented to Priscilla Matoke
Partner with us to build and deliver Smilers Seats to rural elders, provide monthly food and medical support and promote safe sanitation and mobility for the forgotten.
An Action Smiles International volunteer doing a cleanup in Priscilla’s compound
Priscilla (seated) being gifted household goods from Action Smiles International members