Hygiene for children
The risk of infectious diseases is particularly high here. Our association’s work therefore focuses on preventive healthcare and health education in this region.
The facility in Mafuta, which looks after around 100 orphans, is one of these orphanages. There, the little ones receive pre-school lessons and the older children are provided with food during the school break.
The hygiene training for the teachers was a contribution to rounding off their knowledge in this area.
For example, understanding the tapeworm cycle and the need to wash hands to avoid transmission, but it is important that soap is actually available.
What we have done
We have provided all the necessary hygiene items such as soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, Vaseline and curd soap. However, there are no toilets on the site. Zambesi Health will check whether we can finance the construction of a toilet block.
Concrete project ideas
In March and August 2017, we were on site to further concretize our project ideas. We found that a holistic approach involving the school management and teaching staff is promising. To make our hygiene training courses even more effective, we have added materials for teachers to the prepared documents
During an initial training session for the teachers at the COZV mission school, we discovered that the use of visual material is very helpful. An illustrated sheet explains in simple terms what to do if a child is bitten by a potentially rabid dog.
To ensure that the information is understandable for everyone, we have translated the text into siLozi, the predominant language of the Lozi, with the support of the local population.
Picture book
It is important to note that many of the adults in the region speak little English, so it is vital that information is available in their native language.
Through these measures, we are raising awareness of hygiene and health in the Zambezi region and providing local people with the tools they need to protect themselves and their community from disease.
We have developed a small “picture book” that teachers in schools can use to supplement their lessons.
