News and Events


CONSTRUCTION IS NOT ENOUGH

CWS Vietnam participated in a number of special initiatives in 2004, focusing on the organization’s expertise in the water supply and sanitation sector. 

Girls at the drawing competition
Girls at the drawing competition

 School Sanitation and Hygiene Education, SSHE 

School Sanitation and Hygiene Education, or SSHE, is an international concept supported by the United Nations. Many of the principles of SSHE are outlined in the Millennium Development Goals, the International Convention of the Rights of the Child, and the International Decade for Water 2005-2015. The basic concept of SSHE is to provide children with adequate and safe toilet and water facilities, and teach children appropriate hygiene behaviors. Through proper implementation, SSHE can
   
One of pictures at the drawing competition
One of pictures at the
 drawing competition		 • Contribute to improved health, nutrition and learning performance of children. . 
• Contribute to increased school enrolment and attendance, particularly of girls.
• Improve sanitation, environmental and hygiene practices in the community. 
• Strengthen cooperation among local institutions and contribute to sustainable development.
In 2004, CWS Vietnam participated in the SSHE Symposium held in Delft, Netherlands along with representatives from over 20 countries. Together with UNICEF Vietnam, CWS committed to scaling up the SSHE model in Vietnam through the education and water and sanitation programs. Activities so far include:
   
One of IEC drawing competition prizes 

One of IEC drawing
competition prizes 

 - Publication of a booklet outlining the importance of SSHE and relevance to Vietnamese context
- Distribution of over 300 copies of booklet to Vietnamese counterparts
- Training of partners in Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) related to health and hygiene promotion
- Implementation of a drawing competition among 65 schools around the theme “Clean Schools=Beautiful Schools”
- Painting of health and hygiene messages on school toilets and around water supplies.

Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) Campaign

In parallel with repair of classrooms, construction of water supply and toilets, and installing drinking water systems for schools, CWS carries out Information – Education – Communication (IEC) campaigns. The purpose of IEC is to raise awareness among students on using and maintaining new facilities, keeping the school environment clean and healthy, and promoting hygiene practices. These campaigns are conducted with the support of teachers and the district departments of education and training. Messages on sanitation and hygiene practices are conveyed to students via songs and plays using traditional water-puppets. School drawing competitions are held with winning entries painted on new school facilities. Students continue to stay involved and interested in health and hygiene education, and take messages home to parents and other family members. 

 Students are painting the awarded picture on their toilet's wall

Students are painting the awarded picture on their toilet's wall