Building a better future by empowering children to make a difference

Dhusamareeb, 4 April 2024: In Dhusamareeb district in Galmudug State, central Somalia, we meet Amina Hassan, a 29-year-old dedicated social mobilizer who is passionate about improving the health and well-being of her community, especially the children. Amina believes that education and awareness are key to preventing illnesses and promoting good hygiene practices.

Every week, she visits local schools in the area to talk about the importance of hygiene and keeping the environment clean. She brings along colorful posters and interactive board games to make learning more fun and engaging. The children eagerly look forward to her visits, excited to learn something new from their beloved community mobilizer who have they have known for months.

Amina’s topics include how to properly wash hands, explaining why it is important in preventing infectious diseases like cholera. She also talks about the importance of keeping the environment clean and free from trash. The children listen attentively, soaking up all the information like sponges.

The pupils always look forward to Amina’s sessions. Amina makes the sessions fun and interactive, using games and role-plays to make the learning experience memorable. On their part, the children ask questions, share their own experiences, and participate in hands-on activities to reinforce the lessons. On the day of our visit, the pupils were busy doing demonstrations on handwashing. They also discussed how to encourage other children in the community to adopt the same practice. 

“Thanks to teacher Amina, we started a hygiene club where we come together to discuss and implement new ways to promote hygiene in our school and community,” says Abdia. “I even shared the knowledge gained from the sessions with my siblings, friends and community.”

With funding from the US Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance, UNICEF is supporting the Polish Humanitarian Action (PAH) to sensitize school children on hygiene and being positive changemakers in society. Over 7,200 information, education and communication materials have been distributed to 15 schools in Galgadud region alone, including 1,400 booklets and 5,800 flyers. The material is centered around handwashing and how this prevents the spread of cholera in schools. By washing hands regularly with soap and water, children can effectively remove bacteria from their hands, reducing the risk of infection. In a school setting where students are in close contact with each other, proper handwashing can help prevent the rapid spread of cholera among the students.

“In the beginning, I was not sure whether I was making an impact. However, when I noticed the children keeping their classrooms clean, spreading the word about good hygiene habits to their families and friends, and forming a hygiene club, it is when it hit me that what I was doing was making a difference,” says Amina. “I am now more motivated than ever to continue doing what Iam doing, and I know that the children will carry with them these valuable lessons for years to come.”