East Meets West a program of Thrive Networks
The simple act of hand washing with soap at critical times such as before eating and after using the toilet can decrease preventable diseases like diarrhea up to 48% (Source: Global Handwashing Partnership 2018). But we know that it takes the full cooperation of everyone to teach this simple act and truly build a culture of healthy habits.
Days leading up to Global Handwashing Day on October 15, East Meets West held friendly competitions and games for partner schools in Vietnam to encourage and test their hygiene habits know-how. The activities were made possible through close collaboration with the Vietnam Ministry of Health’s Environmental Health Agency, Department of Education and Training, and Dubai Cares.
The competition featured students’ talents in singing, dancing, and drama to showcase their knowledge of healthy habits. There were also games, where the children worked in groups and got to interact with their peers from different schools. The award ceremony takes place in Trieu Son District of Thanh Hoa Province in celebration of Global Handwashing Day.
“Everyone is a winner because by joining this competition, the teams have increased their knowledge and their family’s knowledge of what it takes to have good hygiene and sanitation,” shares Belinda Abraham, East Meets West Foundation’s Country Director.
A little goes a long way. Just like the simple act of handwashing with soap can make a big difference, collaborating with schools and partners on these simple fun games for kids encourage healthy and happy learners — and more importantly, raise a healthy and responsible next generation.
At the heart of our programs are strong partnerships with government, private sector, civil society groups, and local communities. We also implement learning and feedback strategies to strengthen our approaches to promoting gender and socially inclusive WASH practices in our partner communities.
