SUCCESS STORY: Distribution of Soap Handwashing Stations in 10 Schools.
With the onset of the pandemic, various measures were taken to mitigate the spread of the virus and ensure the safety of the general population. Hand sanitization and vaccines were among the most pivotal measures in regards to the fight against the virus, unfortunately, there was an age limit to those who could receive the jabs (15yrs+). This left the younger population rather exposed and thus Winamgrassroots in partnership with Oxfam developed the soap and handwashing stations distribution initiative. Two headteachers from 10 of the schools we were involved with were grateful enough to provide testimony to the positive impact the project had in their respective schools.
Mrs. Roselynn Gwada, a headteacher at Migosi primary school, has been at the school since June 2016. The school is located in between two informal settlements (Obunga & Manyatta) where a majority of the 2386 students hail from. The school is modern and was constructed to cater for the vulnerable children within the subsequent settlements.
Mrs. Roselynn Gwada highlighted some of the challenges they had been experience, pointing out the large population as the major underlying factor. High water bills, lack of adequate soap and handwashing stations were the key challenges which were major contributors to the contraction and spread of the virus in addition to other health related problems.
Through our partnership (Winamgrassroots & Oxfam), we provided the school with 3 handwashing stations to supplement their existing ones and 35kgs of powdered soap. In addition, we decided to offset the school’s water bill for 6 months and also held a session to inform the school staff and students on the guidelines put in place against covid 19 and the importance of adhering to them.
Over the duration of the project, Mrs. Gwada attested to a reduction in hygiene related sickness among the students, she said, “the learners have been motivated to wash their hands and their healthcare has been taken care of”. The payment of the water bills ensured the was constant access to water and together with the soap provided, the school was able to maintain proper standards of cleanliness. She further explained how the school used the money saved to provide masks and sanitizers for its population.