Children Take the Lead on World Water Day

Tuma Kavi Development Association
Tamale, Ghana, 20 Mar 08

Tuma Kavi World Water Day event photos

A number of "Child-to-Child" Health and Environment clubs in rural areas of Ghana's Northern Region will be participating in special World Water Day events including poster drawing contests; recording a radio talk show on water and sanitation issues to be aired on the local Justice FM; and a child-centred workshop launching a new hand-washing program in village schools.

Water shortages, especially during northern Ghana’s seasonal droughts, are often cited as the main impediment to regular hand-washing. Working in partnership with nearly 100 children from three area Child-to-Child Health and Environment Clubs, the workshop will offer a sustainable, grassroots solution to this dilemma. Participating students from three primary schools will be advised on proper hand-washing techniques and will participate in constructing simple, inexpensive hand-washing stations made from locally available recycled materials. These innovative stations (so-called "Tippy-Taps") use very little water, addressing a major impediment to this basic hygiene practice.

The Child-to-Child Approach is an educational process that links children’s learning with taking action to promote the health, wellbeing and development of themselves, their families and their communities. Children become positive agents of change in their local environment.

Contact: Morgan Boyco