Zimasa School pupils celebrate Global Handwashing Day with hygiene lessons
From left are, Dorrianne Mahlangu, Dettol School Programme's regional manager northern districts, Mbuzeli Mrwetyana, Clicks Group CSI, Neil Bothma, Dettol School Programme, regional manager Western Cape and Kathryn Crabbe, Clicks Group Corporate social responsibility manager with pupils from Zimasa School.
Image: Supplied
Zimasa Community School, in partnership with various stakeholders and the Western Cape Education Department, celebrated Global Handwashing Day by promoting proper hand hygiene among pupils.
The awareness event featured educational demonstrations and interactive activities aimed at helping children develop healthy hygiene habits.
Global Handwashing Day, observed annually on Wednesday, October 15, is an international initiative encouraging handwashing with soap as one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent illness. This year’s theme was Be a Handwashing Hero.
According to Statistics South Africa’s 2023 general household survey, only 55.3% of households reported washing hands with soap after using the toilet, while 41.4% only rinsed with water.
“These figures show that both infrastructure and behavior require attention, highlighting the importance of initiatives like Global Handwashing Day,” said Craig Small, chairperson of one of the supporting organisations.
“Handwashing is a small act with a big impact - and by teaching these habits early, we help children stay healthy, confident, and ready to learn,” he said.
Alan Meyer, deputy director general of the WCED, said: “Teaching children about personal hygiene in the classroom is just the beginning. True impact comes when they make handwashing a daily habit and become role models for healthy living in their families and communities.”
Masibonge Mkhize, head of corporate affairs for another stakeholder, said: “Handwashing is a proven first line of defence against germs. Dettol continues to use platforms like Global Handwashing Day to collaborate with partners, drive awareness, and promote simple preventive habits that protect families.”