Global Handwashing Day took place on 15 October 2009 - a day focused on increasing awareness of the importance of hand washing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases. This year, the special focus was on schools and children.
FAN member UDYAMA, an NGO working to improve the lives of poor people in India, organised an event at a local school to commemorate the day.
The turnout at Sri Ram Baidak Sikhyasrama school was fantastic with two hundred children, fifteen parents and guardians as well as fifteen teachers participating in the event.
The response of the children was amazing. They sang songs, spoke about their daily handwashing routines as well as expressing their feelings on cleanliness. Pradeep Mohapatra facilitated the Udyama team to talk to the children (all aged 5-10) about the importance of handwashing.
He shared some funny as well as sad stories with the children about the spread of fatal diseases and the immense loss they can bring. Most of children responded well. Teachers and guardians were asked spend a little time with the children afterwards to minimise their fears and worries.
Before the closing of the event, the students were advised to wash their hands before eating. To illustrate this, a drill was organised at the school premises where each student washed their hands before having some food.