Lakes State Government Champions Hygiene Awareness in Schools

By Mayak Majak Madit Tokjok

Lakes State Government on Thursday, commemorated Global Handwashing Day at Abyei-Ajok Primary School in Rumbek Central County, with the aim of promoting hygiene and cleanliness among pupils.

During the event, the State Minister for Land, Housing and Public Utilities, Hon. Zacharia Magot Ater Aguai, explained that Abyei-Ajok Primary School was chosen for this year’s celebration in partnership with various supporting agencies.

He underscored the significance of instilling good hygiene practices in children, emphasising that pupils should serve as ambassadors and role models for their parents and communities.

“Flies that carry germs to food can lead to chronic stomach pain in humans. Handwashing must become a daily routine,” he stated. “Trimming nails is also a part of hygiene and sanitation, as the behaviour and character of learners reflect our civilisation.”

Aguai noted that Abyei-Ajok Primary School, established in 1953 and reopened in 1972, continues to play a crucial role in education.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment, under Governor Rin Tueny Mabor, to prioritising public services, including education, water, health facilities, agricultural production, and road infrastructure.

He added that the stability and security in Lakes State can be attributed to President Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit, whose appointment of Governor Rin has fostered peace and development in the region.

Mr. Gabriel Maluac Yak, the State Director General for General Education and Instruction, stated that the commemoration of Global Handwashing Day demonstrates the state’s dedication to enhancing community health facilities, including access to clean drinking water and latrines.

He announced that both the government and non-governmental organisations will continue to provide sanitation materials and facilities to schools.

Yak revealed that a land survey for Abyei-Ajok will allocate a 400-by-400-meter plot to facilitate expansion and development. He also called on the South Sudan Red Cross to supply sanitary kits for adolescent girls to prevent school dropouts and combat child and forced marriages, which contravene state policy.

Meanwhile, Mr. Matur Ahou, the Project Coordinator for the South Sudan Red Cross in Lakes State, stated that the Red Cross has recruited volunteer staff to promote hygiene and health in schools.

“It is essential to wash your hands with soap or ash to eliminate unseen germs,” Ahou stressed.

A representative from Across Company, Mr. Andrew Marial, remarked that Global Handwashing Day has enhanced awareness of hygiene and sanitation, contributing to better health and safer living environments.

“Living in a clean and conducive environment helps prevent illness,” Marial said. “People should always wash their hands before touching anything, especially after using toilets. The state remains committed to disseminating health care information.”

Mr. Abraham Majak Majok, the Director of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) under Rumbek Central County, highlighted the importance of general cleanliness, which he described as encompassing the five Fs — feel, flies, food, fingers, and forest.

“Covering food to prevent contamination by insects is part of health safety,” he said, warning the public to avoid open defecation in forests to maintain hygiene and protect the environment.

The Payam Administrator for Abyei-Ajok, Mr. Gabriel Anyuat, praised the South Sudan Red Cross for promoting latrine construction in the community.

He stated that the initiative has significantly supported the local health sector and urged the Ministry of Land, Housing, and Public Utilities to conduct a land survey for Abyei-Ajok Payam.

The Sub-Chief of Abyei-Ajok Payam, Mr. Makoi Bol, appealed to the state government to fence the school to prevent people from passing through the compound during lessons, which disrupts learning. He also raised concerns about the lack of clean drinking water in the school, noting that pupils are forced to cross busy roads in search of water, putting their lives at risk.

“Children share school latrines with the community, which is unacceptable,” Bol said. “This appeal should be addressed appropriately to ensure safety and hygiene in the school environment.”

The Global Handwashing Day celebration at Abyei-Ajok Primary School concluded with renewed calls for cleanliness, sanitation, and collective responsibility to enhance community health across Lakes State.