schoolscolleges2020 hed news

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HANG IN THERE. XUJPRSM clinical clerks alongside Sustainable Sanitation Center facilitators cross one of the hanging bridges to a far-flung area, ready to amplify the awareness on proper handwashing among the young minds of Barangay Langaon, Bukidnon. Supplied photo.

Report by Princess Loredee C Gabot, Nielyn Merced A Mercado, Maria Madelene G Pabilona, and Jose Apollo P Pacamalan

As they say, “prevention is better than cure,” and one way to do it is as easy as using soap, water, applying proper handwashing techniques and putting it all together.

On October 15, many countries around the world celebrated the annual Global Handwashing Day, an international campaign to increase awareness and mobilize people to improve handwashing habits.

The Sustainable Sanitation (SuSan) Center of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan included the students of Langaon Elementary School of Barangay Langaon in the municipality of Baungon, Bukidnon in children’s education about the importance of proper handwashing.

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ORIENTATION. Students of Brgy Langaon, Bukidnon are all ears and at the height of their enthusiasm as the clinical clerks of XUJPRSM share the importance of proper brushing of teeth. Supplied photo.

After crossing two hanging bridges and distant walking, the team was finally able to see the enthusiasm of the students of Langaon Elementary School, with a total of 178 enrolled students from Kinder to 6th grade. 

The medical students of Xavier Ateneo's Dr Jose P Rizal School of Medicine (JPRSM) conducted lectures on handwashing and brushing teeth to the students who met them with visible eagerness to learn.

The students were also engaged in coloring activities that helped them identify key points about proper hygiene. They were asked to showcase their artworks at the end of their activity and received rewards for their commendable work.

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LEARNING BY DOING. The children express their creativity and imagination in relation with the proper hygiene. Supplied photo.

The students received hand soaps, toothbrushes, and toothpaste for their personal use, to develop good hygiene habits.

The day ended with full tummies as the children ate their share of the crowd favorite, Filipino-style spaghetti, and of course, they washed their hands prior to eating! The children also promised to brush their teeth properly after eating.

Handwashing can protect families and communities. A simple habit can save a family’s resources from the burdens of diarrheal diseases, and most importantly, it can save lives. Handwashing should not only be celebrated, but seen as an essential part of daily life, taught to all ages, in every generation to come.

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FREEBIES. Facilitators and lecturers hand out hygiene kits to the pupils. Supplied photo.

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MEATY SPAGHETTI. The school children line up to receive their share of delicious spaghetti and bread. Supplied photo. 

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GHD 2019. The SuSan team members pose with the children of Langaon Elementary School, ready to incorporate proper handwashing in their everyday lives. Supplied photo.