A school principal explains how a Health and Hygiene intervention from Action Against Hunger saved a lebanese school

“In light of the economic situation in Lebanon and the school’s inability to withdraw its money from the bank; and the priority and urgency to give the teachers and employees their salaries, the school was unable to purchase cleaning materials.” explained Rima the principal of a public school in Bissariye, South Lebanon.

Action Against Hunger implemented “The Integrated Health and WASH to Reduce COVID-19 Impact in Overcrowded Settings”. The project funded From the American People, aimed to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 by expanding Health and WASH activities into urban and peri-urban settings, in the Bekaa, Baalbek Hermel, and South Lebanon Governorates.

The project improved COVID-19 preparedness by enhancing preventive practices, facilitating isolation for positive or suspected cases, and ensuring an integrated approach to prevention in public schools and overcrowded settings.
 

School disinfection kits

Rima adds: “You saved the school! as the school disinfection kit contained everything needed to resume the cleaning in the classes and toilets and reduced the burden on the school’s treasury.”

In total Action Against Hunger distributed disinfection kits to 9 schools.

School Kit distribution - Ghazieh South Lebanon. (@Action Against Hunger)

Handwashing units in schools

The hand washing stations in the school, according to Rima, were essential since they drastically cut down on the use of water and the spread of diseases. “The units benefit the teachers as well, especially when helping toddlers wash their hands and disinfecting fruits and vegetables in a healthy way without touching the faucet.”

In total Action Against Hunger installed 24 handwashing units in 9 schools.

Handwashing Point in Khraj Bissariye Public School South Lebanon. (@Action Against Hunger)

Student hygiene & Menstrual Hygiene kits

The student hygiene kits that were distributed at school gave the children a great push and inspired them to make healthier decisions. “They now bring their reusable bottles instead of the plastic bottles that they used to get, and the soap and masks were very important as the parents couldn’t afford to purchase masks daily for their children.” said Rima.

“Considering how frequently this topic is disregarded, the menstrual hygiene kits were also quite helpful.” Rima added.

In total Action Against Hunger distributed 10,312 student hygiene kits and 1,255 menstrual hygiene kits.
 

Awareness sessions and events

“Games and activities spreading preventive and hygiene messages to students, were more effective than all awareness campaigns and presentations combined. The students memorized the games, and the teachers reminded them every day.” Rima explained about the awareness sessions done.

In total Action Against Hunger implemented awareness sessions and events to 9,466 students.

Wall Moral - Al Masaken Shaabeya Public                       Wall Moral - Khraj Bissariye Public School
School South Lebanon. (@Action Against Hunger)          South Lebanon. (@Action Against Hunger)

Long term benefit

Even though the project's goal was to reduce COVID-19 impact in crowded settings, the units installed, and the awareness sessions had long-term advantages and continue to be of use today.