Healthy Hands, Minds as Caring Hearts Heritage Initiative Promotes Hygiene in Schools

For many kids from financially disadvantaged backgrounds, the joy of learning is often overshadowed by the threat of communicable diseases. In response to this challenge, Caring Hearts Heritage Initiative, a non-governmental organisation, recently launched a pioneering programme to promote hygiene and education among primary school students. Writes MARY NNAH

The harsh reality for numerous children from low-income backgrounds is the ever-present threat of communicable diseases. In many schools, inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities hinders students’ ability to maintain good hygiene practices. This vulnerability puts them at risk of contracting waterborne and infectious diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, and typhoid fever, which can have severe consequences on their health, education, and overall well-being.

In response to this pressing issue, Caring Hearts Heritage Initiative, a dedicated non-governmental organisation, has pioneered an innovative programme focused on promoting hand hygiene among primary school students. The programme, aptly titled “Clean Hands, Good Health,” is specifically designed to educate students on the crucial role handwashing plays in preventing the spread of communicable diseases.

Recently, the organisation, in collaboration with the Headmistress of Adeife Sodipo, Akindeko Memorial Primary School, Odunsi Bariga, Lagos, and her team, organised a “Clean Hands, Good Health” event. 

The event, which was part of the organisation’s back-to-school initiative, aimed to educate students on the importance of handwashing in preventing communicable diseases. The initiative also provided students with writing materials, hand wash, and washing powder to encourage cleanliness in and out of school.

According to the President of Caring Hearts Heritage Initiative, Mrs. Henrietta Otoabasi-Akpan, the organisation’s objective is to support children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds and promote hygiene and education.

“We believe that when children are healthy, they can learn and stay in school. Our programme is designed to create awareness among children on the importance of handwashing and hygiene in preventing communicable diseases”, Otoabasi-Akpan said.

The event featured interactive sessions with students, where they were taught how to wash their hands properly, why handwashing is important, and when to wash their hands. The students were also given posters and educational materials to remind them of the importance of handwashing.

Caring Hearts Heritage Initiative is a non-governmental organisation that provides support to children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. The organisation’s programs include educational support, nutrition, and health initiatives.

The “Clean Hands, Good Health” event is part of the organisation’s efforts to promote hygiene and education among primary school students. By educating students on the importance of handwashing, Caring Hearts Heritage Initiative hopes to reduce the spread of communicable diseases and promote a healthier learning environment.

According to Otoabasi-Akpan, the organisation’s goal is to reach out to more schools and communities, and to make a positive impact on the lives of children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

“We want to create a culture of hygiene and learning among our children. We believe that every child deserves access to quality education and healthcare, regardless of their background or financial situation”, Otoabasi-Akpan said.

The “Clean Hands, Good Health” event was well-received by the students and teachers at Adeife Sodipo, Akindeko Memorial Primary School. The students were enthusiastic about the interactive sessions, and the teachers appreciated the educational materials and support provided by Caring Hearts Heritage Initiative.

As the organisation continues to work towards its goal of promoting hygiene and education among primary school students, it is clear that the “Clean Hands, Good Health” initiative is making a positive impact on the lives of children from financially disadvantaged backgrounds.

The initiative has also highlighted the importance of collaboration between non-governmental organisations, schools, and communities in promoting hygiene and education. By working together, these stakeholders can help create a healthier and more educated society, where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

In addition, the initiative has emphasised the need for increased investment in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), millions of children in Nigeria lack access to basic WASH facilities, putting them at risk of contracting illnesses and missing out on education.

As Caring Hearts Heritage Initiative continues to promote hand hygiene among primary school students, it is clear that the organisation’s efforts are crucial in helping to address the WASH challenges facing schools in Nigeria. By supporting initiatives like “Clean Hands, Good Health,” stakeholders can help create a healthier and more educated society, where every child has the opportunity to thrive.