2021 Commitment to Hand-Washing and Hygiene
Since 2001 the Global Handwashing Partnership has served as a global advocate and knowledge base for hand washing and water management programs. This initiative helped to include hygiene as one of the Sustainable Development Goals (2030). The goal is to achieve access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene, paying special attention to the needs of women and girls and those in vulnerable situations.
In 2010, CES Canada began a partnership with UNICEF, joining sixty global partners in driving hand washing behaviour change. Ten CES schools in rural western Kenya have received clean water. Sidikho SS, Namirama Girls SS, and Kimang’eti Girls SS each have water stations that allow up to 12 girls at a time to access taps for water and soap for washing. The latter has received international recognition as a model for schools in developing countries.
The work of CES Canada in Kenya was highlighted in a UN Publication - “Raising Clean Hands”.
The Covid19 pandemic has reminded us that the most effective way to stop the spread of a virus and communicable disease is simple: hand hygiene. As we celebrate 20 years of commitment to Handwashing, let’s keep the momentum going strong. After all, children learn from their adult role models.
