Bhekuzulu Primary School – Lifebuoy promotes healthy practices at school
A SCHOOLS project, ‘Lifebuoy’s School of 5 and Wrapper Campaign’ and ‘5 Superheroes’ was launched in schools last month, which saw a dramatic increase in good health practices among primary school children resulting in healthier learners. According to Ms Premia Ziqubu, principal of Bhekuzulu Primary School, “Lifebuoy’s School of 5 and Wrapper Campaign made a …
A SCHOOLS project, ‘Lifebuoy’s School of 5 and Wrapper Campaign’ and ‘5 Superheroes’ was launched in schools last month, which saw a dramatic increase in good health practices among primary school children resulting in healthier learners.
According to Ms Premia Ziqubu, principal of Bhekuzulu Primary School, “Lifebuoy’s School of 5 and Wrapper Campaign made a huge impact at the school. Lifebuoy made hygienic practices more practical to the learners and it is appreciated.”
The school also received a prize from Lifebuoy, which was a computer and a printer.
Ms Ziqubu added “the school has 1350 learners and currently has grade R to grade 5. In 2016, they will introduce grades 6 and 7. At the moment the school has one computer and printer so, thanks to Lifebuoy, this equipment will make a huge difference to the learners.”
Brand Manager for Lifebuoy, William van der Westhuizen says, “the project reached not only the pupils but their families and friends over the 21 day period.”
“Good health practices and habits should not only be taught and focused on in winter, hand washing with soap is an important factor in breaking the chain of infection in all seasons. The 21 day habit benefited learners as well as their parents. By improving their health conditions it has a positive impact on family medical bills too.”
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrhoea and pneumonia combined are responsible for the deaths of millions of children under the age of five every year.
The majority of these deaths are linked to poor hygiene and lack of access to sanitation, but research has proved that the simple hygiene habit of washing hands with soap can reduce this figure by almost half.
He added “School principals came on board, as they realised the importance of the campaign and its positive effect on school attendance. They were keen to help the children through the 21 days to adopt new habits and develop a healthy attitude towards hand hygiene.”
