Every child has the right to grow up in a clean and safe environment. Children who have access to clean water, basic toilets, and excellent hygiene habits not only thrive but also have a healthier start in life. Clean water, improved sanitation, teacher training, and hygiene education in schools can help children’s health and education, especially in this time of pandemic where a healthy environment is of top priority.
Even before the rise of the COVID-19, schools emphasize the significance of hand hygiene in preventing disease transmission but some schools in the country still lack access to handwashing facilities. The most susceptible and affected include those who live in rural areas, urban slums, disaster-prone locations, and low-income places.
Through the WASH in Schools Project, the Rotaract Club of Magsingal North Ilocos Sur’s people of action mobilized resources, formed partnerships, and invested in infrastructure to help establish a washing facility. Children who can’t wash their hands have a higher risk of infection than those who can, putting them at risk of missing more days at school.
Carusipan Elementary School in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur has benefited from the club’s assistance in developing a 10-faucet WASH facility. The club advocates to the government, donors, and the corporate sector, along with other partners to improve WASH services in schools and to encourage knowledge exchange and learning.
Immediate Past President Ernest Carlo R. Guiuntab, the project proponent, represented by the members from the said organization personally turned over the said project. “This WASH facility is my last project before my term ends as the club’s president. It was made possible through the collaborative efforts of some people to help make improvements in the school,” said Mr. Guiuntab.
The teachers are also encouraging all the parents and stakeholders to help the school meet all the requirements for safe implementation, set up physical structures, WASH facilities, and supplies, health and safety protocols, learning materials, etc.
“As part of the further preparations, I hope we will support the school in preparation for the pilot implementation of the expanded face-to-face classes transitioning to the new normal,” said Mr. Ferdinand G. Asistin, school head of Carusipan Elementary School.
The Rotaract Club of Magsingal North Ilocos Sur is known for being an advocate of water, sanitation, and hygiene, along with six other areas of focus.
