“As Agents of Change”, you have a duty to be a role model not only in your school towards your peers but also personally and in your community to address Communicable Diseases”. These were the sentiments of Save the Children Fiji, Chief Executive Officer, Shairana Ali.
While officiating at the closing of the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Symposium, Ali urged the 55 children who have been trained as Child Hygiene Promotors (CHP) to raise awareness on the importance of good hygiene practices in their daily lives.
“With only three months of preparation, what you have showcased here is quite impressive and beyond expectation. We would like to thank you, your teachers and your parents for the continuous support in making this two-day Symposium a success, Ali added.
We would also like to extend our gratitude towards the Ministry of Health Officials, Ministry of I-Taukei Affairs and the Australian Government representative, for your time to come and listen to our CHP’s, Ali concluded.
Elenoa Vakatalebole, Public Health Nursing Manager, Bua Subdivision encouraged children to continue with their advocacy on issues affecting them. “It is our vision to work with children and with this platform we are positive that children and stakeholders can work together to combat common diseases such as Typhoid, Dengue, Diarrhea and Leptospirosis.
Meanwhile, Lemeki Leano of Bua Central College (participant) said that the Symposium was very educational and informative and he is very fortunate to be part of it. “Ï would also like to thank Save the Children Fiji for introducing this WASH project which not only empowers children but also builds our capacity to be Child Hygiene Promotors (CHP) and being the voice of children in WASH and Health related issues.
The Symposium concluded with stakeholders visiting children’s booths where children displayed their models and artworks from recycled plastics and waste papers. Children also presented their WASH action plans to the stakeholders outlining their future activities and the support they need from stakeholders who were present during the event.
The WASH Project is implemented by Save the Children Fiji and is supported by the Australian Government.
The Symposium was held at the Naulumatua House, Bua on the 15 – 16 August, 2019.