Taking Charge to Ensure Behaviour Change – A Step to Good Health

“We want to keep the school clean. We want to take care of our health. We can continue practicing hand washing as shown to us. That will not be a problem”, mentioned the children

Muniya Khatun, Deeya Mondal, Rittika Sardar, Mostakin Shek and Farhan Islam Gazi are eager to talk about their Shishu Sansad (child cabinet) in the Konnagar Sadarpur FP School in Murarisha (Hasnabad). They hold the following portfolios –Muniya (prime minister), Puja (health), Mustakim (food), Farhan (education) and Ritika (sports).

The children, all currently in class V, took charge in August 2023. “I felt very happy when I became the prime minister,” shares Muniya with a sparkle in her eyes. The child cabinet members are enthusiastic about their roles and responsibilities including promoting hand washing and hygienic practices among peers.

“Our school was started in 1943 with mud walls and a thatched roof. Now, we have two storied pacca building with a room for mid-day meals,” states Azmir Alam Mondal, Teacher in Charge. Four teachers (including Azmir) manage the school which has 171 students drawn from neighbouring communities. The cabinet was formed in keeping with instructions received from the school education department. The Teacher in Charge received training for the same. “We looked for children who had leadership, could take initiative and speak,” recounts Zeaul Haque, one of the teachers. Manosi Mandal, another teacher, adds “The children took up their roles with a lot of interest.” “They were not afraid,” shares Md Bayjeed Bostane Gazi, the oldest teacher in the school.

The entire child cabinet wants to demonstrate the ten steps in hand washing. Finally, Farhan gets to do so while the others watch approvingly. “This is quite simple. There is no problem in following it,” declares Deeya . “We remind those who forget,” says Farhan. Is it difficult to convince their friends and other students to do hand washing regularly? They concede that there have been arguments, but these could be handled. Moreover, the teachers also help them as needed.

They also feel that the 21 day self monitoring check list is useful. “This is scientific. If we do it (hand washing with soap) regularly for 21 days, then it will become a habit,”

“They (child cabinet) have become more alert. They are truly fulfilling their responsibilities. Their efforts are also helping in improving discipline and cleanliness in the school,” share the teachers. There is another unexpected indicator for measuring the students’ enhanced interest in hand washing. “Earlier, we used to complete the mid day meal in 20 minutes. Now, it easily takes 40 minutes because all of them spend time on hand washing. We have to say – don’t you want to eat?” shares Zeaul. “Such activities should happen in more schools,” adds Manosi.

The child cabinet has identified other concerns such as the need of a boundary wall as well as better and separate bathrooms for boys and girls if possible. “We want to keep the school clean. We want to take care of our health,” they affirm. “We can continue practicing hand washing as shown to us. That will not be a problem,” they declare.