With a view to ensuring that people continuously use the toilets built and practice safe and hygienic behavior at all times, the northeastern state of Tripura has been conducting various IEC (information, education, communication) activities in schools. One such activity was conducted for students of Chitrayan Drawing School and Rainbow Academy on 23rd October, 2019.
“We wish to prioritise behavior change, particularly among students through our IEC activities. Although all families have access to sanitation, to achieve health outcomes we need to ensure habitual use of sanitation facilities properly at key times,” Tripura’s IEC and HRD Consultant, Ms. Aparajita Modak said.
As many as 161 individuals comprising students, teachers and guardians of the School and Academy participated in the programme held at the Community Hall in South Rajnagar Panchayat of Rajnagar Block in South Tripura.
The programme began with a discussion on the importance of washing hands with soap after using the washroom, before meals and after handling child faeces. Considerable focus was also given to the importance of using sanitary toilets; proper storage, handling and consumption of drinking water; plastic waste management; water conservation; and maintenance of hygiene in and around the house, among others.
Teachers of both schools spoke to the children on safe drinking water and sanitation facilities. During the interactive session, students had ample opportunity to have their queries answered. They also watched with interest, the demonstration of proper handwashing techniques.
There following a drawing competition on the themes – Swachh Bharat and Plastic Waste Management; and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes were awarded to the best renditions.
The finale of the event was an audio-visual presentation and screening of animated films produced by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation. Thereafter, soaps, toothpastes, chocolate and leaflets were distributed among the students.
Swachh Bharat Mission (Grameen) 