USAID promotes health and hygiene in vulnerable schools

Thierno Dauda Tall provides deworming medicine to his students as part of the USAID-funded vulnerable schools program. Photo by Counterpart International

Blustery desert sands and contaminated hands bring sickness to the people of Senegal, one season after another. For the affluent with running water and a steady supply of soap, it's easier to fight off infection. Those less privileged are often the ones who fall ill.  Informing people about hygiene is a sure step in curbing the spread of disease.  For students benefiting from the USAID-funded vulnerable school program, health and hygiene educational seminars and sensitization campaigns target not only students but entire communities and their leaders.  Thierno Dauda Tall, the teacher at Bode school near the border with Mauritania, sees the direct benefits of the program.

“In our hygiene and health program we have seminars that address different themes and permit students and the community to understand and change their behavior,” he explained. “Positive behavior change is good. For example, students now conscientiously wash their hands before eating.  In addition, the distribution of mosquito nets has reduced cases of malaria and health sensitization campaigns have helped the entire community make concessions and become healthier through their actions.”

The USAID program, implemented by Counterpart International, works closely with nine schools to facilitate improved health and hygiene for students.  Through educational seminars focused on health related messages, posters of local community leaders participating in specific health-related activities, deworming of students for a healthier life and a focus on health and hygiene to improve living conditions the program has provided a successful and positive impact to over 3,800 students and their representative communities.

“The presence of the local communities in health conferences permits them to be informed on specific health and hygiene practices,” notes Thierno Tall.  Activities such as using chlorine to purify water, washing hands before eating, using water filters, and understanding proper sanitation all help ensure a healthier community.  Tall and his students are pleased about the work being done. “All the surrounding schools and teachers envy our chance to participate in this program,” he notes. “I am very proud and happy to have my school benefit from this program.”

The vulnerable school program works in northern Senegal to improve the living and learning conditions of students.  Primary activities also include school feeding, school, dormitory and latrine rehabilitation, literacy, numeracy, and vocational training for students.