With Dettol incorporating song and dance into its hygiene lessons, the pupils were taught in an enjoyable manner the importance of washing their hands regularly, especially after visiting the bathroom.
As Themba Malinga, the principal of the school put it, “Washing our hands is such a mundane activity, we can take it for granted.”
Referring to the new hand-washing technique his pupils were taught Malinga said, “Since we were born, we were taught to keep our hands clean, but because we don’t do it properly, we carry germs around with us.”
The technique includes washing between the fingers and under the nails with soap and not just water. According to the World Health Organisation, diarrhoea kills more than 2 000 children per day, worldwide. Diarrhoea is often caused by not washing hands properly.
This was the reasoning behind Dettol’s campaign. Faisal Khan, senior brand manager for Dettol, said hand washing was a global problem. “Especially in previously disadvantaged communities such as Ebony Park.”
Khan was impressed by the enthusiasm of the children and the support they received from the teachers of the school. “There were more than 800 pupils at this event and we can tell that the teachers will help implement these lessons.”
Malinga agreed with him, “We are planning on commemorating Global Handwashing Day every year. The current students will teach the new students that are coming in next year how to do it properly, and so on,” he said.
The day ended in a hand washing race and the children were given care packs to take home along with their new knowledge.
Is there an interesting event happening at your school? Let us know on midrandreporter@caxton.co.za
