We officially kicked off our WASH in Schools program in the Dominican Republic for the 2022-2023 school year! We continue to serve four economically challenged schools in the Punta Cana-Bavaro area, benefiting a total of 1,500 students. The 16 handwashing stations installed by The WASH Foundation, an evolution of Clean the World Foundation and located across the four schools all received a fresh coat of paint for the new school year! Our Wash in Schools program teaches proper handwashing and personal hygiene practices as well as the close connection between good health and good hygiene and sanitation habits. The convenient and dedicated areas for handwashing at the four schools promote regular hand washing habits, particularly after critical times such as before and after eating and after using the restroom.
In celebration of Global Handwashing Day, we donated 3,200 bars of soap to more than 10 schools, with a total population of more than 4,500 students! We also donated ten volleyballs and two volleyball nets. Our Wash in Schools program in the DR includes a sports component, which allows us to demonstrate the important relationship between handwashing and daily activities. We combine volleyball lessons with WASH education, stressing the importance of handwashing at appropriate times, such as after play.
Many thanks to Michael Obermark, Eduardo Liendo, and the rest of the DR team for all their hard work following Hurricane Fiona and for their continued work with the schoolchildren!
