Reducing Waterborne Diseases in 131 Kenyan Schools

ACTIVITY REPORT

ACTIVITY PROCEEDINGS

This activity took place at Daisy special school which was selected by WE REACH as one of the schools for the WASH project phase 2.  The participants present were introduced to each other and climate setting was done by the facilitator. The organization was introduced to them and the objectives it implements in the community. The participants were taken through the WASH project and sensitized on their roles under Kenya Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) legislation, policy and guidelines for primary schools.  The purpose was to enable them to advocate for themselves.

During this meeting WE REACH met 10 teachers and 20 students from 10 primary Schools that WE REACH has included in the second phase of the WASH project in Lurambi Sub County. The participants were also taught about COVID19 action prevention and control especially in their schools. The teachers were reminded their roles in school when it comes to the fight against this pandemic. Like;promote and demonstrate regular hand washing and positive hygiene behaviours and monitor their uptake. To ensure adequate, clean and separate toilets for girls and boys,ensure soap and safe water is available at each-appropriate hand washing stations and encourage frequent and thorough washing (at least 20 seconds).

Also by cleaning and disinfecting school buildings, classrooms and especially water and sanitation facilities at least once a day, particularly surfaces that are touched by many people (railings, lunch tables, sports equipment, door and window handles, toys, teaching and learning aids. This should be done using sodium hypochlorite at 0.5% (equivalent 5000ppm) for disinfecting surfaces and 70% ethyl alcohol for disinfection of small items, and ensure appropriate equipment for cleaning staff.

One of the key issue that came up is that for WASH in Schools programs to be sustainable and successful it requires the involvement and buy-in of teachers and school administrators.Teachers can be role models in schools for children. They can be champions in WASH matters in advocating for required hygiene standards.Teachers can be integral by working with local government such as the ministry of health to ensure schools are adhering to all required WASH and COVID19 standards and protocols.

Lastly the participants were trained on how to make hand wash liquid soap using local ingredients. They were taken through the procedure step by step and most of them took short notes in order to remember them and also the various names of the ingredients. The soap was ready within 20 minutes the participants were given some to feel how the soap was, most of them gave a good feedback. Some of the soap was given to them to take back to their schools. The organization then promised to donate the hand wash ingredients to them when the schools reopen in May.

 3.0: LESSONS LEARNT

• There is a big gap in WASH knowledge and skills among the teachers and pupils in schools. The members do not know their roles in school health.
• With clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities, the teachers and pupils can easily help eliminate water related diseases by working with the head teacher to set good health standards in schools.

4.0 CHALLENGES AND RESOLUTIONS

• Lack of changing rooms for girls experiencing menstruation; schools to provide specials rooms for girls
• Not enough toilets for the learners; contraction of additional toilets
• Minimal support from the National and County government when it comes to construction
• Inadequate funds to support more schools in the Sub-County; there is need for fundraising

5.0: RECOMMENDATIONS AND REQUIRED ACTIONS.

• Head teacher with the help of teacher champion should form health clubs in schools to ensure effective implementation of the project
• The school administration should make sure they are enough toilets in school for boys and girls.

Name and Signature of Person compiling the Report                                                                                                         Date

EDWIN NYONGEA

12/4/2021

Name and Signature of Person approving the Report                                                                                                        Date

ERICK BOSIRE

12/04/2021