Schools in Tailevu receive hand washing materials

Handwashing with soap and water is one of the simplest, most effective ways to stop the spread of germs and stay healthy.

It’s the simplest task that would help prevent diseases, and respiratory infections, such as the common cold or flu.

However, access to hand hygiene facilities including soap and water is a bit of a challenge for certain areas in Fiji.

Recently, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services visited five schools in the Province of Tailevu to donate free handwashing soaps and water tanks.

Ministry of Health and Medical Services National WASH Co-ordinator Vuniwai Jikosaya Toga was the chief guest at Wailotua District School to open handwashing stations at the school.

Mr Toga and Ministry of Education’s WASH Consultant Emosi Jale opened the school’s wash project.

Students of Dawasamu District School after the handover of two 5,200 water tanks at the school in Tailevu. Photo: Ministry of Health and Medicval Services

Eight handwashing stations worth $2,627.55 funded by the WASH Program was revealed and are set to benefit 88 students and four teachers.

Meanwhile, Dawasamu District School received 2 x 5,200-liter water tanks.

The water tanks were to promote good sanitation for students.

School head Tomasi Macedru said the two 5,200-liter water tanks would help address the water shortage problems faced in the school.

Although the school had natural water source, it usually dried out during prolonged dry periods.

Mr Macedru said the free soaps they received from the WASH Team would also benefit the school children to effectively wash their hands.

Waidalice District School head boy Elia Leweniqila said that the two 5,200 liters water tanks received by the school would help promoted good hand washing hygiene to students in the school.

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