School hygiene drive

UNILEVER and the Department of Basic Education signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday to launch the Unilever National Schools Hygiene and Sanitation Programme, which will provide hygiene education to every Grade 1 pupil in the country.

The programme, which will support the curriculum, will be rolled out, from September, to 15 000 public primary schools across the country.

This will be implemented in class by teachers through a proven behaviour change model, with products provided by Unilever brands Lifebuoy, Domestos and Mentadent to enable the practice of improved hygiene habits by children.

This initiative is part of the Unilever Sustainable Living Plan aim to help more than 1 billion people improve their health and well-being by 2020.

Children were encouraged to complete a 21-day behaviour change programme at school and at home with their families during the pilot. Principals and schoolteachers reported a notable decrease in illness and an improvement in school attendance.

“This programme is vitally important as it inculcates healthy and hygienic habits in our learners. Children who are healthy can attend school more regularly and participate actively in everyday learning activities at school. The famous British nurse, Florence Nightingale, reformed the health-care system with something as simple as washing hands,” said Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga.

“Today washing your hands regularly with soap is recognised as a cost-effective, essential tool for achieving good health. It’s so simple, and I am very pleased that we are able to partner with Unilever on this essential project.” Troy Martens Department of Basic Education Charmaine du Plessis Unilever SA