On October 15, Global Handwashing Day is observed around the world to raise awareness around the importance of hand hygiene in keeping you safe and healthy. The importance of this day has increased ten-fold since the outbreak of the COVID 19 pandemic.
To celebrate Global Hand Washing Day in Tonga, the Tonga Football Association through the Just Play program ran festivals in 8 Primary schools focusing on “Be a Wash Champion”. Children are taught about the importance of when to wash hands and how to wash hands correct following the 8-step method.
According to the Head of Social Responsibility Mrs. Palu Uhatahi-Tuamoheloa, “I believe that if we need to see change, we need to make it a habit instead of abiding to emphasize in just a day”. With the program that we are currently promoting in the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga Primary Schools, it has 8 sessions of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) component using football as a tool, with 8 messages targeting to promote better hygiene and sanitation habits amongst children aged 6-12 years.
Because we are celebrating the GLOBAL HAND WASHING DAY on the 15th of October, be a WASH champion is learning the 8 steps of washing, chores at home, community, or schools that would allow you as a child or older person to be a wash champion. These last sessions of the Health and WASH component allow over two thousand children in school and communities this week to learn about WASH through their football clubs, community programs, or their school programs.
“We are glad to be part of the Just Play program in Tonga, children learn basic skills in life and also enjoy by being involved in physical activities using football, described by Silipa Vaki, Principal of Lavengamalie Christian Primary School.” She continues by encouraging teachers to be a part of this program because what we preach to children needs to first reflect from us(teachers).” That includes WASH.
We are hoping to reach out with the same message to the Government Primary Schools in Tonga but we are waiting for permission from the Ministry of Education.
The Social Responsibility department and the Just Play Programme are aligned to the Sustainable Development Agenda. Sustainable Development Goal 6 is about “clean water and sanitation for all”. It is one of 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015, the official wording is: “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.”
We appreciate the support from the Government of New Zealand and Australia, the UEFA Foundation for children, and the Oceania Football Confederation. Your ongoing support allows us to reach out to children in Tonga aiming to enhance their social lives.
