MBSSE, UNICEF Introduce Three-Star WASH Approach to Boost Hygiene in Schools
The Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, in collaboration with UNICEF, is implementing the Three-Star approach to promote safe water, improved sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices in schools across Sierra Leone.
This initiative, led by Mr. Patrick Raymond Musa, Head of the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Unit at the Ministry, emphasizes gradual improvement through simple and affordable measures.
Schools are encouraged to prioritize handwashing with soap, access to clean drinking water, and clean, gender-segregated toilets.
The program aims to instill positive hygiene habits in students, empowering them to become agents of change within their families and communities.
The Ministry recently conducted training sessions in Kabala, Moyamba, Bombali, Tonkolili, Bo, and Pujehun districts targeting School Quality Assurance Officers, School feeding monitors, heads of schools, district education stakeholders including education and health committees’ chairpersons and chairmen of the local Councils, NGOs etc.
In Pujehun, a two-day training was held at the Leilema Guesthouse, focusing on recognizing the crucial role of hygiene in student health and learning.
Musa emphasized that simply providing WASH facilities is insufficient. The program underscores the importance of ensuring that students properly utilize the available facilities.
Behavioral Change: Promoting hygiene practices through education and awareness.