RAKOD Widows Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization that is reaching out widows, the less privileged and the fatherless in society through its Strengthening Community Care And Support project, has taken its Graciela Barrios initiative to the eastern region.
Graciela Barrios initiative is a Hand Washing Project the Foundation has put together to educate school pupils in various communities on the importance of Hand-washing and as well donate hand-washing materials to them.
Its maiden Hand-washing initiative was held at the Pakro Junction M.A Primary School in the Akwapim North District of the Eastern Region where members of the Foundation donated hand-washing equipment such as liquid soaps, soaps, towels, tissues, hand sanitizers, washing bowls, mini-plastic water tanks among others to the school.
The Foundation also presented printable posters that can be used to help raise awareness about hand-washing, hand hygiene print materials containing signs, posters and brochures to guide the pupils on the best steps to take when washing their hands before and after eating, and after visiting the toilet.
Members of the Foundation demonstrated to the pupils how to use the equipment and materials presented to them and advised them to do away with any open top soap dispensers as they can harbor microbes and can be a source of contamination.
They advised that running water should be of sufficient volume and pressure to remove soil from hands.
They were advised to dry their hands since wet hands readily transfer pathogens to food, utensils and other surfaces. Pupils in the school took turns to demonstrate how to wash their hands.
Speaking to the President and Founder of RAKOD Foundation, Randy Danquah he indicated that the Foundation, though a widow-centered has decided to open up its reach to other less privileged in society especially students in deprived communities, hence the Hand-washing initiative.
He believes that eradicating diseases and sicknesses among children begins from hand-washing and therefore advised that hand-washing facilities should be accessible and sufficient for the maximum use by school children, adults, and those with disabilities.
He said: “Hand-washing stations should be conveniently located and maintenance should include routine cleaning and restocking to ensure adequate supply of paper towels and soap. That is why we are intervening to support poor community schools with these equipment.”
The hand-washing signs with proper hand-washing instructions, he said, should be posted at hand-washing stations and restrooms to encourage proper practices.
The Circuit Supervisor, Mr. Asante Ofei who received the team from RAKOD Foundation on behalf of the Municipal Director Madam Grace Owusua Addo, thanked the Foundation for the support and believed they will continue to support the school in other areas.
He also appealed to the Foundation to frequent the school, identify their needs and map out programs and projects that will help in bettering the conditions of the pupils.
On her part, Getrude Agboga Acting Headmistress of the school, also expressed gratitude to the Foundation and promised to ensure that the facilities provided are of great benefit to both students and teachers and that they are put to good use.
She also pledged to ensure that the equipment are maintained to last longer.
By PROSPER AGBENYEGA