Global Handwashing Day: Promoting Hygiene and Health Across 14 Villages in Khunti

On the occasion of Global Handwashing Day, Bal Kalyan Sangh organised a large-scale Hygiene and Handwashing Awareness Campaign across 14 villages of Khunti district, including Dolda, Selda, Surunda, Maliyada, Baghma, Godatoli, Marungtoli, Bichna, Gamharia, Pandu, Suti, Bhonda, and Chhata villages.

The campaign aimed to raise awareness among children and community members about the importance of cleanliness, hygiene, and protection from infections. Around 1,300 children and villagers actively participated in the initiative and learned the correct method of handwashing through practical demonstrations.

The program began with cleanliness drives at schools and community spaces, where students and villagers cleaned their surroundings together. This was followed by a step-by-step demonstration of proper handwashing techniques by the Bal Kalyan Sangh team. Participants were also informed about the key moments when handwashing is most crucial- before eating, after using the toilet, and after contact with a sick person.

Children were further encouraged to understand that cleanliness not only keeps our bodies healthy but also nurtures positivity in our thoughts and actions. This synchronised campaign across 14 villages reflected Bal Kalyan Sangh’s strong commitment to community participation and behavior change among children, marking a remarkable and inspiring initiative.

During the sessions, the team emphasised that diseases such as diarrhoea, typhoid, dengue, and flu spread easily through dirty hands, and regular handwashing with soap is one of the simplest and most effective preventive measures. Teachers guided the students on the five important moments to wash hands before meals, after using the toilet, after playing, after contact with objects or people, and before cooking.

All participants took a “Cleanliness Pledge”, promising to keep their homes, schools, and communities clean.

The program concluded with a strong message that Global Handwashing Day is not just a one-day event, but a reminder that cleanliness is not a habit for a day; it is a lifelong value. When children learn to stay clean, they become messengers of health, awareness, and positive change for their families and society.

The event saw active participation from village heads, Child Protection Committee members, teachers, parents, representatives of children’s forums, and local residents, making it a truly community-driven effort.