In a dynamic effort to combat diarrhoea through education and awareness, the STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2024 was organized by Implementation Support Agency (ISA )-IMAGIN under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), West Bengal & WBPHEDte at Choa B.B. Pal Vidyaniketan in the Hariharpara block of Murshidabad. The initiative aimed at promoting hygiene and health among schoolchildren was met with enthusiasm and active participation from the students.
The event commenced with educational sessions led by members of the ISA -IMAGIN and the school’s dedicated teachers. These sessions focused on the causes and prevention of diarrhoea, emphasizing the critical importance of proper handwashing techniques and handling of purified drinking water . Students were educated about the benefits of consuming food only after washing hands and the significant risks associated with neglecting this simple yet vital practice.
Interactive Quiz and Balloon Activity An engaging interactive quiz was organized to reinforce these lessons. Balloons filled with questions related to hygiene and diarrhoea prevention were distributed among the students. The children eagerly burst the balloons, retrieved the questions, and answered them with great enthusiasm. This activity not only made learning fun but also helped cement the important messages conveyed during the educational sessions.
Poster Writing: Creative Expression for Health Awareness A creative poster writing activity was also conducted, allowing students to express their understanding of hygiene through art. This activity saw enthusiastic participation, with students creating vibrant posters that highlighted the importance of preventing diarrhoea and maintaining good hygiene practices.
Oath-Taking Ceremony: Committing to Hygiene Practices A highlight of the event was the oath-taking ceremony, where students pledged to maintain good hygiene practices. The solemn moment saw young hands raised in commitment to regular handwashing and drinking purified water, underscoring their dedication to personal and community health.
Md Mahabul Hoque, the Headmaster of Choa B.B. Pal Vidyaniketan, expressed his admiration for the event. “The interactive approach and the commitment shown by the students were truly impressive. This campaign has undoubtedly had a positive impact on their understanding of hygiene and health,” he remarked.
Among the students, Ankita Ghosh, Arsita Ganguly, Fatema Khatun, and Ajmira Khatun, all from Class X, stood out for their active participation and insightful contributions. They shared their newfound awareness and appreciation for the importance of hygiene. “We learned a lot about how washing our hands and drinking clean water can keep us healthy,” said Ankita Ghosh enthusiastically.
The STOP Diarrhoea Campaign 2024 at Choa B.B. Pal Vidyaniketan successfully highlighted the importance of hygiene practices in preventing diarrhoea. The event, with its combination of educational sessions, interactive quizzes, creative poster writing, and a commitment-boosting oath, made a lasting impression on the students and school staff alike.
As the campaign continues to expand its reach, organizers hope to replicate this success in other schools across the district. Future plans include follow-up sessions to reinforce the habits learned and involving parents to ensure that good hygiene practices are maintained at home.
This initiative stands as a testament to the power of education and community engagement in promoting health and well-being, paving the way for a healthier future for the children of Murshidabad.
