Zabzugu: World Vision Ghana, an international NGO, as part of its Schools' Sanitation League Table, has honoured outstanding basic schools in the Zabzugu District for demonstrating exemplary commitment to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Schools' Sanitation League Table, currently in its fourth edition, aims to promote healthy sanitation and hygiene behaviours among schoolchildren. A total of 73 schools across the district participated in this year's edition, a significant increase from the 15 schools when the programme was first launched.
Mr Joseph Kwogyenga, the Zabzugu Area Programme Manager of World Vision Ghana, commended participating schools for their efforts in maintaining good hygiene and sanitation standards. He remarked on the poor hygiene conditions prevalent years ago, with open defecation and lack of proper WASH facility usage being common issues that led to frequent illnesses among pupils.
Mr Kwogyenga explained that the situation prompted World Vision Ghana to collaborate with key stakeholders, including the Zabzugu District Assembly, Ghana Education Service, and Ghana Health Service, to develop a WASH league table. This initiative encourages healthy competition among schools. The competition criteria included the availability and cleanliness of latrines, proper use of handwashing stations, and general hygiene practices.
Through this partnership, several schools have benefitted from improved WASH facilities provided by World Vision Ghana and the District Assembly. 'Our long-term aim is to improve WASH practices in schools to ensure a healthier learning environment,' Mr Kwogyenga stated. Dagbabaani D/A Primary School topped the Junior category, while Gor-Kukani Roman Catholic JHS led the Senior category.
All 73 participating schools received sanitation and learning materials, including handwashing kits, detergents, bleach, cutlasses, wheelbarrows, watering cans, gloves, rakes, and teaching aids. Mr Kwogyenga urged school authorities to make good use of these items.
Mr George Lakoba Tanie, the Zabzugu District Chief Executive, commended World Vision Ghana for its commitment to promoting WASH in schools. He noted that the support had significantly improved health and educational outcomes in the district.
Mr Alhassan Mumuni, the Headteacher of Dagbabaani D/A Primary School, expressed excitement over his school's victory and encouraged other schools to strive for success in future competitions. 'This is a great motivation. Let's keep the spirit of hygiene and healthy competition alive,' he said.
The event brought together stakeholders from the education, health, and local government sectors, as well as school authorities and pupils, to celebrate the success of the WASH initiative and reaffirm their commitment to building cleaner, healthier school environments across the district.