Today Aawaj Child Group marked the first meeting on cleanliness and disease prevention following the analysis of the current situation and indicator development. The session began with a review of the previous meeting, where participants shared what they had learned. Many expressed how joining this child group had been an exciting and learning-filled experience. Some even mentioned that they rarely get opportunities to speak so freely and joyfully in other settings, which made this group special. Except for 2-4 individuals, all members attended the meeting.
Icebreaker Activity: The Train Game
Before digging into the topic, I engaged all participants in a fun and interactive game called the “Train Game.” Stations like Nakpur, (check nose) Nangpur(check nails), Kanpur (check ear), and Kapalpur (check hair are clean or not) were created, along with a station inspector. The rule was simple: passengers could advance through the stations only if they passed inspections based on station-specific requirements; otherwise, they were disqualified. By the end, only three passengers successfully passed all the stations, while the rest were disqualified.
The game was new and enjoyable for everyone, and the feedback reflected their excitement. However, I noticed some participants felt disappointed about being disqualified. Using this as a segue, I transitioned into today’s topic—cleanliness and its profound importance.
Discussion on Cleanliness
While everyone was familiar with the term “cleanliness,” I realized there were many aspects that children had not fully understood. I explained that cleanliness is not just about personal hygiene but also about maintaining the cleanliness of our surroundings, homes, and environment.
When I asked about the current state of cleanliness in their homes and schools, many admitted it wasn’t very good. I emphasized that cleanliness is as vital for our health as nutrition and wellness. I explained how a clean environment ensures a healthy life, while a polluted one can lead to illnesses, no matter how nutritious or delicious our food is.
The children listened intently as I discussed how a lack of cleanliness can lead to diseases like colds, pneumonia, malaria, typhoid, COVID-19, stomach aches, and diarrhea. This realization made them see the importance of cleanliness in a new light. I taught them how to manage personal hygiene and dispose of waste properly to prevent environmental pollution and its harmful effects on our health.
Commitment to Change
The discussion inspired the children to take their health into their own hands. They committed to:
- Maintaining personal hygiene
- Properly managing waste at home and in their surroundings
- Educating their peers about cleanliness
- Formulating action plans to bring about behavioral changes in their daily lives
The children understood their responsibilities clearly and pledged to start implementing these changes immediately. They also shared their enthusiasm for improving in future sessions of the Train Game, promising to succeed in passing all the stations next time.
Conclusion and Next Steps
I announced that I would visit each child’s home in the coming days to monitor their progress in changing their behavior. I also informed everyone about the next meeting, scheduled for 2081/09/20 (Saturday 4th January 2025), where we will discuss children’s rights and their four core areas.
The meeting concluded successfully with unanimous agreement and a shared commitment to making cleanliness and health a priority.