27/10/2015
A report on handwashing week
Hand washing day started off on 12th October 2015 in the general assembly of MLSS. The day was celebrated by delivering speeches on the ‘Importance of Handwashing’ by master Karma Tenzin a student who spoke in Dzongkha and Mrs. Sangay Dema a teacher who spoke in English. They emphasized on hand hygiene and when to wash the hands. The teacher focused on the proper handwashing. The proper handwashing procedures shared were: washing hands by using running tap water or warm water, soap, washing hands following seven appropriate handwashing techniques and finally drying hands in the clean and dry towel. Madam gave her final note of speech by introducing theme song: wash wash wash your hands, wash the nasty germs away, if you don’t! You might get sick and that will spoil the day! She reminded the students to sing the song and enjoy washing hands every time and anywhere.
On the second day the guest speaker Mr. Phuntsho Wangdi, nursing superintendent from Mongar Regional hospital elaborated on the hand hygiene practiced in the hospital and to maintain basic health hygiene in the school. He repeatedly emphasized to use running tap water and not to easily wash hands on collected bowl or jug. He even briefly demonstrated on the steps of proper handwashing techniques. He played vital role in convincing the audience to maintain hand hygiene.
On the following day, the selective health club members’ boys and girls came in front of the crowd and demonstrated on the seven significant handwashing techniques. The rest of the children imitated them and learnt all the seven proper techniques of handwashing. The health coordinator informed the children and the all the staff to use these methods for effective handwashing and to prevent from illnesses.
The fourth day was observed by practicing mass participation on the handwashing. The respective class teachers arranged 10 jerry cans, the health coordinators provided each class Dettol soap and each child has brought a clean towel to wipe hands. Before the 1st period, the students were lined on the allotted area to wash their hands properly following practically all the seven techniques. All the children and students made the handwashing fun by singing the theme song.
On Friday as it was GNH period, the class teacher had to give a talk or show video-clips or narrate a story or teach or do anything relevant to the theme ‘Handwashing Day.’ The teachers were given opportunity to explore and display their talents and creativity to motivate the children on the importance of proper handwashing. And to mark the day, there was an art competition amongst the children on the theme “Raise your hands for hygiene.” The winners from all the three categories were awarded cash prizes from first to third.
Finally the handwashing day was concluded by reporting on the whole week’s activities by one of the students (Miss Drimi Lhamo of class 7 B). She conveyed the simple message, “Handwashing is the simplest, easiest, cheapest and the best way to keep oneself away from the diseases.”
Reported by health committee
Pema Choden
Sangay Dema
Tshewang Lhamo
Poonam Gurung
