Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in collaboration with Hakuhodo. Sync Pvt Ltd organized an informative workshop for 200 students at EDMC Pratibha Vidyalaya in Trilokpuri on 13th October 2023. The workshop was a part of JICA’s “Achhi Aadat (Good Habit) Campaign”, an endeavour aimed at raising awareness about the importance of hygiene practices for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. The campaign, in collaboration with various NGOs, government authorities and Japanese companies has already reached out to more than 10 crore people and aspires to reach out to many more.
Aligned with the Global Handwashing Day, the workshop at EDMC Pratibha Vidyalaya was designed to impart valuable information and education to children regarding handwashing practices. JICA representatives guided children through the correct techniques and explained the significance of this simple yet essential habit.
During the workshop, several interactive activities were organized for the children to enhance their learning experience. These activities included ‘Dance Steps for Handwashing,’ where children learned specific dance moves to reinforce the correct handwashing method. Additionally, the ‘Jumbled Handwashing Steps Game’ challenged the children to unscramble and correctly identify the steps required for effectively washing their hands. ‘Achhi Aadat Pledge Tree’ was also placed in the premises, where students were encouraged to stick their pledge promoting hygiene and health, committing to uphold them throughout their lives. Lastly, students were provided with a hygiene kit containing soaps, nail clippers, hand sanitizers, liquid sanitizers, and tissue papers to encourage and facilitate good hygiene practices.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Watanabe, Senior Representative at JICA India, said, “Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 calls for the global community to achieve access to hygiene for all by 2030. Hand hygiene is one of the most important elements of hygiene. However, numerous settings across the world lack both – the facilities for practising hand hygiene as well as the necessary support for instilling these behaviours. At JICA India, we aim to address this gap through our Achhi Aadat Campaign. By fostering meaningful collaboration with governmental bodies, educational institutions, non-governmental organizations, healthcare centers, businesses, and various other partners, we aim to advance health and sanitation initiatives across the country.”
Through a comprehensive approach involving educational sessions, collaterals, and IEC materials, the campaign has effectively disseminated Achhi Aadat messages to various regions and age groups across the country. The campaign has successfully reached out to the masses through physical and online educational sessions, as well as through extensive media outreach – both traditional mass media and social platforms.