Sanitation Behaviour Change in 60 Gujarat Schools

Dear Friends of Utthan,

We are so excited to share that a Gracious, anonymous donor has supported our Project with a considerable 150 $. This now puts us in a position to do a full scale Awareness event in 1 school with an expected participation of 50 plus students.

What does an Investment in this Project lead to:

• Promotes better learning: children are likely to learn better in a clean and hygienic environment

• Increases enrollment of girls: school latrines have been proven to be linked with continued education enrollment of teenage girls and young women, particularly at puberty

• Health benefits: school sanitation and hygiene facilities reduce the risk of spread of diarrheal diseases and worm infestations. It also limits health hazards and promotes environmental cleanliness at the community level

• Links to home and community: through awareness, key health and hygiene education messages and behaviors flow to the home and community at large.

• Investment in the future: children are more receptive to new ideas and it is usually much harder to get adults to start using latrines and change their hygiene habits

By the time we receive this disbursement, our team is finalising the School where this would be done. We will keep in mind, the learning's from the eprevious event!

The first Sanitation Behavioural Change School Event was held in end January 2018, due to the trust put in us by ‘You’, our esteemed donors. Little steps, we believe will contribute towards a sea change!

A gripping Event was held at Babhrol Village of Santrampur block, Mahisagar district of Gujarat. Attended by a curious lot - 48 girls and 49 boys (surpassing the planned 50 target), the Event was planned in a way so as to capture the minds of young children. It helped to create awareness on the important aspects of cleanliness (Hand-washing -after defecation, before and after meals, regular bathing and maintaining short nail length), how this helps in staying away from infection and disease and what steps to keep in mind. This awareness complemented the work on gender sensitive sanitation repairing and construction work in the village school (done through other support). Awareness material included pictorial banners, song books and pamphlets on the subject. ‘The morning prayer in school now includes some lines on importance of cleanliness and hygiene.’

From ignorance to becoming Children’s’ Committee member: When 9 year old Raman was asked what his reason were for not keeping clothes clean or his hair/nails cut, he answered: ‘I did not know about all this. My parents are daily wage labourers. We can’t afford it.’ When cost free solutions for cleanliness and hygiene were provided and he understood the adverse impact of unhygienic practices, Raman was a changed boy. ‘I now keep my nails and hair clean and trimmed and wash my uniform regularly. Now I’m a member of the Children’s Cleanliness Committee – we all work hard to help each other. Even At home, we now only use a water ladle to take out water from the water pot. I received information and our family has applied for toilet construction under existing Government Scheme.’

Raman’s story confirms that awareness and impactful communication leads to behavioural change, slowly and steadily. He was also able to influence positive behavior in his parents.

We are also overjoyed to share that Utthan has maintained its Superstar organizational status. We have been vetted and are also a top ranked GlobalGiving member based on GlobalGiving parameters, for our efforts in 2017.

Behavioural change as you know is a continuous effort. We appeal to you to spread the word, so that we can spread the awareness. Thank you for your trust!