To mark the 2015 Global Hand Washing Day, Procter & Gamble Nigeria, manufacturers of safeguard soap, has sensitised school pupils on the need for regular hand washing practice.
Organised in partnership with Save the Children Foundation, the programme, themed “Raise a Hand for Hygiene,” was designed to inculcate hand-washing habit among children and ensure that they continue to learn in a safe and healthy environment.
To ensure the key message was well delivered to the pupils, debating competition themed “Clean Hands Saves Lives” was organised for participants drawn from select primary schools in Lagos Island.
At the end of the contest, St. Mary’s Convent Primary School emerged winner; St. Patrick Catholic Primary School came second, while St. Peter Primary School came third.
Corporate Communications Manager for P&G Nigeria, Mrs. Omolola Adenuga, said, Procter & Gamble is committed to the wellbeing of Nigerians, “we have joined the global hand washing campaign to raise and sustain personal hygiene consciousness among school pupils and Nigerians in general.
“It is one thing to teach hand washing principles but to get the children to articulate this in the form of an intellectual discuss is even more encouraging.”
Advisor, School Health and Nutrition for Save the Children International Ms Amaka Ifionu, said the campaign was aimed at motivating and mobilising millions world-over on hand washing with soap as a key approach to disease prevention especially among school children.
School bags, safeguard soap, toiletries were given to winners and participants of the competition including their teachers.
A teacher, Mrs. Bimpe Ojo, said, “We appreciate P & G for this thoughtful donation.