WASH Symposium Highlights The Importance Of Hygiene To Children
Children of Rakiraki attended the first Symposium on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene that was hosted by Save the Children Fiji at Penang Sangam School in the past week.
Shairana Ali, Save the Children Fiji chief executive officer, said: “We at Save the Children encourage child participation and getting the children together for this Symposium provides them a safe space and great platform to discuss issues pertaining to WASH.
“This Symposium is a one of a kind event where children we have trained as Child Hygiene Promoters are learning from each other and identifying water sanitation and hygiene standards that their schools and communities need to abide by. “Hearing from the children has always been our passion as we believe that their voices matter and we adults need to consider their inputs in all matters concerning them. “We live in a modern world where children are so advanced therefore, we need to engage
them in activities that improve their health and well-being especially in the school holidays and help them to stay focused while preparing for the next term.” Josua Sevu, of Rakiraki Public School, says that the WASH project has really brought about tremendous changes in his school. “We have never been involved in projects as such until early this year when we were being introduced to the WASH project. “I have seen positive changes after frequent trainings on WASH and this has really been an eye-opener for children especially when we see the importance of practising proper sanitation and hygiene.
“I must commend Save the Children Fiji for introducing it and also our WASH teachers for the continuous support and mentoring.” The symposium concluded with stakeholders visiting children’s booths where children displayed their models and artwork from recycled plastics and waste paper. Children also presented their WASH action plans to the stakeholders outlining their future activities and the support they need from stakeholders who were present during the event.
The WASH Project is implemented by Save the Children Fiji and is supported by the Australian Government. Source: Save the Children Fiji