February – April 2024: Simple habits can go a long way in protecting children from everyday illnesses and one of the most powerful is handwashing. As part of the Centre for Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality (CWEGE)’s broader mission to foster well-being through community-driven development, trained Community Organizers (COs) are increasingly being invited by schools in Amrita Serve villages to conduct awareness sessions for children on pressing social and health-related topics.

One such request came from two government primary schools in Thariyal village, Punjab, where school staff invited our CO to sensitize children on hand hygiene. In response, a handwashing awareness session was held, reaching 70 students with both engaging content and practical demonstrations.

In both schools, Community Organizer (CO) Kokal facilitated the sessions by showing an educational video on proper handwashing. Afterward, the children were introduced to the seven steps of handwashing not just by watching, but by actively participating. The CO engaged the students in Q&A and made sure they understood when and why handwashing is essential. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to empower children not just with knowledge, but with practical habits that safeguard health and well-being at home and school.