The innovative approach to teaching children about sanitation and hygiene has garnered international recognition, underscoring the kit’s potential to address pressing global hygiene challenges through education and practical skills development.
NEW DELHI/DAVOS (India CSR): The groundbreaking Swoosh Germs Away! kit, a unique collaboration between Harpic India, News18 Network, and Sesame Workshop India Trust, was introduced at the World Economic Forum 2024 in Davos. This kit, which was initially revealed in India in September 2023 by the esteemed President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, is an integral component of Mission Swachhta aur Paani. This nationwide initiative promotes inclusive sanitation practices and encourages responsible toilet behavior across the entire country.
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri Commends Innovative Swoosh Germs Away!
Unique Collaboration Highlighted for its Transformative Impact
Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs and Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, expressed his admiration for the groundbreaking Swoosh Germs Away! kit during his presence at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Puri commended the kit for its innovation and its potential to bring about positive change.
In his remarks, Minister Puri stated, “I am very happy to witness projects centered around children, focusing on their well-being, education about the importance of sanitation, and the rational use of water.
“The display of such initiatives at Davos is truly commendable. Congratulations on showcasing these impactful projects.”, he added.
‘Swoosh Germs Away!’ Kit Earns Global Recognition, Emphasizes Importance of Child Education
Ravi Bhatnagar, Director of External Affairs & Partnerships at Reckitt, Expresses Gratitude
Ravi Bhatnagar, Director of External Affairs & Partnerships, South Asia, at Reckitt, shared his enthusiasm for the ‘Swoosh Germs Away!’ kit as it gained global recognition at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Ravi Bhatnagar emphasized the significance of the kit in promoting sanitation education and the role of children as hygiene ambassadors.
Ravi Bhatnagar stated, “At Reckitt, we are consistently striving to build an environment that enables better lives and nurtures the young generation towards a promising future. We are deeply honored to witness the ‘Swoosh Germs Away!’ kit being recognized globally at the World Economic Forum in Davos.”
“This pivotal milestone in our ongoing mission to promote sanitation for better health puts focus back on the importance of education and the role children play as young ambassadors who understand the importance of cleanliness and hygiene. We are grateful for the support that we have received and will continue to stand at the forefront of fostering a healthier future.”, he further added.
‘Sanitation Hygiene Education Framework’ Promotes Behavioral Adoption among Children
Sesame Workshop India Trust’s Sonali Khan Highlights Kit’s Transformative Potential
The ‘Sanitation Hygiene Education Framework’ kit, known for its unique interactive features promoting sustained behavioral adoption among children, captured significant attention at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Sonali Khan, Managing Director of Sesame Workshop India Trust, emphasized the kit’s potential as a transformative tool and its crucial role in highlighting the importance of sanitation for optimal health.
Khan remarked, “We’re excited about the global response to our innovative kit, confirming its potential as a transformative tool. In a world dealing with hygiene issues, our kit is a promising model for replication. Crafted to inspire children globally, it’s a crucial step in emphasizing the importance of sanitation for optimal health.
“At the World Economic Forum 2024, we highlighted concerns and called for collective global action on sanitation. Our kit aims to provide concrete learning experiences, blending multi-sensorial assets and play-based methods to empower children with practical life skills.”, further added.
‘Sanitation Hygiene Education Framework’ Kit Advances Hygiene Education and Positive Toilet Habits among Students
‘Sanitation Hygiene Education Framework’ Advances Hygiene Education
Incorporates National Education Policy and National Curriculum Framework, Featuring 3D Pop-Up Books, Jigsaw Puzzles, and Engaging Sesame Street Characters
The ‘Sanitation Hygiene Education Framework’ kit has emerged as a significant stride in promoting hygiene education and instilling positive toilet habits among students. Aligned with the National Education Policy and National Curriculum Framework, this innovative kit offers a range of educational tools, including 3D pop-up books, jigsaw puzzles, and an activity booklet featuring beloved Sesame Street characters – Elmo, Chamki, Neela Jaadugar, and KK Kitanu.
Over 200,000 Children Already Impacted, Aiming for 1.7 Million in Odisha
These engaging characters have proven to accelerate learning and make it more enjoyable for children. So far, the program has actively engaged more than 200,000 children and aspires to expand its reach to impact 1.7 million children in the state of Odisha.
A National Movement for Sustainable Sanitation & Clean Water
Harpic, News18 Collaborate to Drive Change and Support Swachh Bharat Mission
Mission Swachhta aur Paani, a collaborative initiative led by Harpic and News18, has entered its third season with a steadfast commitment to fostering sustainable sanitation practices and ensuring access to clean water across India. The campaign’s primary goal is to mobilize the entire nation towards the universal provision of clean and safe toilets, transforming this mission into a widespread movement.
Aligned with the Swachh Bharat Mission and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, this initiative is dedicated to raising awareness and catalyzing actionable measures, leaving no individual behind in the pursuit of these crucial goals.
Network18 CEO Avinash Kaul Highlights India’s Leadership Role in Promoting Micro-Initiatives
Avinash Kaul, CEO Network18 (Broadcast) and Managing Director of A + E Networks, TV18, proudly positioned India as a trailblazer on the global stage at Davos. He highlighted the critical importance of micro-initiatives worldwide in addressing hygiene and sanitation challenges. Kaul introduced the ‘Sanitation Hygiene Education Framework’ on this prestigious platform as a call to action, urging leaders to launch initiatives that educate children about the profound connection between sanitation and overall well-being.
Kaul stated, “In the esteemed global aggregation at Davos, we are proud that our initiative positioned India as a trailblazer, spearheading micro-initiatives worldwide to address the critical challenges of hygiene and sanitation. The introduction of our ‘Sanitation Hygiene Education Framework’ on this prestigious platform serves as a call to action, urging and inspiring leaders to launch initiatives that educate children about the profound connection between sanitation and overall well-being.
“Through this framework, our goal is to spark a global movement, nurturing a generation of informed and empowered individuals who grasp the pivotal role of sanitation in shaping a healthier future.”, he said.
He further added, “Our endeavor, ‘Mission Swachhta aur Paani,’ in collaboration with Reckitt, underscores our dedication to fostering a value-driven partnership. I am thankful to Reckitt India for owning this cause and look forward to further building this collaboration that embodies the spirit of driving initiatives that prioritize cleanliness and water, contributing to the collective endeavor for a healthier and more sustainable world.”
Promoting Knowledge and Responsibility
Addressing India’s Public Health Crisis with Essential Sanitation Education
The uniqueness of this curriculum lies in its dedicated effort to instill toilet etiquette in children from a young age. The innovative Germ Locator kit serves as a tool for introducing children to vital knowledge and a sense of responsibility.
Amidst the backdrop of approximately 2.2 million lives lost annually in India due to diarrhoea, a staggering 1.87 million of whom are children under the age of five, the urgency of addressing this public health crisis becomes unquestionable. The curriculum provided by the kit offers a glimmer of hope, aiming to embed essential sanitation and hygiene practices within children. This initiative holds the potential to play a pivotal role in mitigating the devastating impact of such occurrences.
(CopyRight@India CSR)
