The Lifebuoy brand headed into 162 schools, nationally reaching more than 100 000 pupils with a project which encouraged learners to adopt a new hand-washing habit within just 21 days. The campaign focussed on children aged between six and 12 years old, in Grades R to 4.
Brand Manager for Lifebuoy, Mr William van der Westhuizen said: “The project reached not only the pupils but their families and friends over the 21-day period. Lifebuoy is a trusted brand that has been used by South Africans for many years, and it has been actively involved in teaching good health practices and hand-washing habits in schools for a number of years.”
“Good health practices and habits should not only be taught and focused on in winter, hand washing with soap is an important factor in breaking the chain of infection in all seasons. The 21-day habit benefited learners as well as their parents. By improving their health conditions, it has a positive impact on family medical bills too,” Van der Westhuizen added.
“Research has proven that a new habit can be adopted in just 21 days, which was ably demonstrated in schools around South Africa.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrhoea and pneumonia combined are responsible for the deaths of millions of children under the age of five every year. The majority of these deaths are linked to poor hygiene and lack of access to sanitation, but research has proved that the simple hygiene habit of washing hands with soap can reduce this figure by almost half.
Van der Westhuizen said consumers at participating Spar Stores were invited to purchase a bar of Lifebuoy and place their till slip in one of three entry boxes with names of schools in the community. Pupils at participating schools were also encouraged to collect Lifebuoy wrappers and place these in an entry box at their schools. The 51 winning schools could choose one prize from a selection of four options, namely a computer and printer, a printer, three whiteboards or a generator to the value of R10 000.
He added: “School principals came on board as they realised the importance of the campaign and its positive effect on school attendance. They were keen to help the children through the 21 days to adopt new habits and develop a healthy attitude towards hand hygiene.”
Mr Zweli Kubeka, principal of Thuthukani Primary School, added that the ‘Lifebuoy’s School of Five and Wrapper Campaign’ has improved hygiene among the learners and staff.
The prize chosen by the school was a computer and printer. He added that the computer and printer will benefit staff and learners and will also improve their knowledge.
