Handwashing and Sanitation at CAC Primary School

Our steadfast dedication to ensuring a hygienic learning environment took a significant step forward on February 19, 2025, when we hosted a handwashing and hygiene seminar at CAC Primary School in Ijebu-Jesha. The event saw strong participation, with 2 representatives from the local authority, all the schoolteachers, and over 130 primary school students in attendance. The focus of this event was to promote handwashing and sanitation, aiming to enhance health practices within schools.

Training Content:

As part of the training, students were instructed on the appropriate times and methods for handwashing, including before meals and after using the restroom. They also learned the six essential steps of effective handwashing, which are as follows: 

- Wetting 

- Applying soap 

- Scrubbing 

- Rinsing 

- Drying 

- Disposing of tissue 

Lastly, the pupils were educated about the diseases that can be transmitted due to poor sanitation practices.

Demonstrations:

- We conducted a live demonstration to illustrate the proper handwashing technique. 

- To accommodate the needs of children who did not understand English, we utilized Yoruba language to ensure clarity.

1. Physical Risk

To assist the students in maintaining a hygienic environment following the seminar, we supplied the school with the following resources:

- Washing soap

- A poster for each classroom illustrating the six steps of proper handwashing

- Waste bins for every classroom, as the school previously lacked them

- Educational storybooks for primary students

- Snacks and beverages for all participants

Key Outcomes

The seminar proved to be a resounding success, leaving all participants highly satisfied with the results. For instance: 

- The headteacher and staff expressed their gratitude for the seminar. 

- Students actively participated in hands-on handwashing practice. 

Local Authority Representative Response

The two local authority representatives expressed their delight regarding the outcomes, particularly due to the immediate impact observed among the participants.

- They acknowledged our efforts and demonstrated a clear understanding of our mission.

- One representative proposed that we consider extending our initiatives to two additional schools in nearby villages:

- St. Paul Anglican Primary School, Ipetu-Ijesha

- AUD Primary School, Ipetu-Ijesha

They believe that these schools, which have a larger student population, would significantly benefit from our initiatives.

Our Appreciation:

I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation for the tremendous efforts of all our volunteers who contributed to the project. We are also grateful for your moral support and contributions in various capacities.

Your support helps us bring handwashing and sanitation education to more schools. By backing our projects, you contribute directly to healthier environments and improved attendance in schools.

Thank you for reading about our seminar. We look forward to bringing similar projects to other schools and making a lasting impact on our communities.

Feel free to leave your thoughts or contact us if you want to know more about our work.

How You Can Help

You have the power to be part of this change:

Donate: Your contributions allow us to expand this program to more schools.

By: Tolulope Adebajo

Project Director

Digging Well Foundation, Nigeria

Email: tolu.adebajo@diggingwell.org