Handwash and Sanitation

Introduction Hygiene is the foremost factor. Everyone should maintain proper sanitation to lead a disease-free lifestyle especially in rural areas. One such initiative was taken by Samaj Vikas Samiti, an NGO working in district Palwal, Haryana. It's only motive was to spread hygiene awareness among the children and teachers in a school in Palwal.Around 150 participants have shown their active interest in the event conducted be it interactive sessions or demonstrations. The members of Samaj Vikas Samiti encouraged students to ensure the steps and adopt the correct methods and further share their learning to respective families to amplify the impact of the campaign.Their commitment to community health and education continues to bring about meaningful changes in the lives of children and their families.The importance of water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities in school cannot be ignored. Simple handwashing with soap at moments can turn out to be the most cost effective protection against communicable diseases. We all have already experienced such situations at times, such as the influenza epidemic or the most recent Covid-19 where frequent and proper hand washing is key prescribed preventive measures. Here, schools should conduct hygiene promotion activities to reduce the risk of illness. Secondly, access to adequate and functional wash facilities is the foremost prerequisite to practising good hygiene habits. Objectives of the Campaign The campaign aimed to: Educate children on the critical role of handwashing in preventing illnesses and other communicable diseases. Instil lifelong hygiene habits among young minds. Activities Conducted The event conducted was both educational and engaging : Handwashing Demonstration : A step-by-step demonstration on handwashing was conducted. Students learned the globally recommended hand washing method. Roleplay and Skits : To make the learning experience more enjoyable students performed skits showcasing common scenarios. Quiz Competition: A quick quiz was conducted in order to test the students knowledge on hygiene practices with prizes awarded to the top performers. Impact of the Initiative The event left a lasting impression on the young participants where many students expressed their excitement about sharing the newly acquired knowledge with their respective families. Teachers and staff applauded the initiative, recognizing its importance in fostering a culture of cleanliness and health consciousness. Conclusion : Samaj Vikas Samiti’s handwashing campaign is a testament to the impact that small and thoughtful initiatives can have a longer impact. Such efforts are crucial, especially in rural areas, where awareness can significantly reduce the burden of preventable diseases. The active participation of students, the campaign in Palwal district serves as a model for similar initiatives across the country. Together, such actions can pave the way for healthier, happier communities.

HEALTH AND SANITATION