BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
FIVE schools within Ward 10 in Western Province now have proper handwashing facilities, thanks to support from the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) program.
The schools that benefited from the project are JAC Primary School, Irigila Primary School, Vatoro Primary School, Leona Primary School, and Parasau Primary School.
Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Ward 10, Freedom Tozaka, said the project marks another milestone in ongoing efforts to promote healthy schools and healthy children across the ward.
He said the installation of the new handwashing facilities is timely as it complements other health and education initiatives currently being implemented in local schools.
“Children are now enjoying the facilities and, at the same time, improving their personal hygiene practices,” Tozaka said.
He emphasized that good hygiene habits must begin with children, as they are the most effective agents of change within their families and communities.
“If we want to improve personal hygiene, we start with our children. I strongly believe that introducing such facilities in schools will educate them about the importance of washing hands after using the bathroom or playing on the ground,” he explained.
“This knowledge will stay with the children, and hopefully, personal hygiene will improve in communities when these children grow up,” Tozaka added.
He also acknowledges the Australian Government and DFAT for their continuous partnership and commitment to improve education and health standards in rural communities across Western Province.
The handwashing project was implemented under a community-led development approach, ensuring that school leaders, parents, and community members participated in the planning and installation of the facilities.
This approach not only promotes ownership but also ensures the sustainability of the facilities.
Teachers from the recipient schools welcomed the project, describing it as a vital improvement to their school environment.
They said the facilities will help prevent the spread of diseases such as diarrhoea and influenza among school children.
A teacher at Leona Primary School said the initiative helps the school to align with the Healthy Schools Policy promoted by the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD).
The project reflects ongoing efforts by local authorities, development partners, and communities to enhance Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) standards in schools — a key step towards creating safer, cleaner, and healthier learning spaces for students.
With the completion of the handwashing facilities, Ward 10 is now taking another firm step towards realizing its goal of building resilient and healthy communities through education and practical health initiatives.
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