In-school Community Sensitization on Hand washing and School feeding Program

DATE: 13/3/2019

LOCATION: ASPS1 AJAOKUTA KOGI STATE

As part of the organization's program objectives for 2019, foosteer initiative organized in-school community sensitization on Hand washing and school feeding, for pupils of primary 1 to 3 in ASPS1 ajaokuta Kogi State, Nigeria, 120 pupils participated in the exercise which was conducted in the school compound during their break period. Hand washing is the first step to a healthy living, and school meals helps pupils concentrate on lessons in class, from our research, most pupils from this community go to school in the morning on empty stomach and as such can barely comprehend what is being taught in class.

Hand washing, also known as hand hygiene, is the act of cleaning hands for the purpose of removing soil, dirt, and microorganisms. If water and soap is not available, hands can be cleaned with ash instead. Medical hand hygiene refers to hygiene practices related to medical procedures. 

Foosteer Executive director (center) with staff of ASPS1 Ajaokuta

Why Wash Your Hands?

Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water.

Packing of Snacks and drinks from Foosteer Initiative for pupils

Washing hands prevents illnesses and spread of infections to others. Hand washing with soap removes germs from hands. This helps prevent infections because:

• People frequently touch their eyes, nose, and mouth without even realizing it. Germs can get into the body through the eyes, nose and mouth and make us sick.
• Germs from unwashed hands can get into foods and drinks while people prepare or consume them. Germs can multiply in some types of foods or drinks, under certain conditions, and make people sick.

• 

  A cross session of excited pupils with the meals

• Germs from unwashed hands can be transferred to other objects, like handrails, table tops, or toys, and then transferred to another person’s hands.
• Removing germs through handwashing therefore helps prevent diarrhea and respiratory infections and may even help prevent skin and eye infections.

Teaching people about handwashing helps them and their communities stay healthy. Handwashing education in the community:

• Reduces the number of people who get sick with diarrhea by 23-40% 
• Reduces diarrheal illness in people with weakened immune systems by 58%
• Reduces respiratory illnesses, like colds, in the general population by 16-21% 
• Reduces absenteeism due to gastrointestinal illness in schoolchildren by 29-57%