The Crucial Role of Sanitary Practices in Schools
Explore the importance of sanitation in schools and its impact on student well-being and academic success.
Written by Rika Andini
Explore the importance of sanitation in schools and its impact on student well-being and academic success.
Written by Rika Andini
Sanitary practices in schools are often overlooked, yet they play a crucial role in maintaining the health and well-being of students and staff. In the bustling environment of a school, where large numbers of individuals interact daily, proper hygiene protocols are essential to prevent the spread of illnesses and diseases. In this article, we delve into the significance of sanitary practices in schools, supported by compelling statistics that highlight their importance.
Preventing the Spread of Illnesses
One of the primary reasons for implementing robust sanitary practices in schools is to prevent the spread of illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), infectious diseases are easily transmitted in school settings, where students and staff are in close contact with one another. In fact, the CDC estimates that each year, students miss about 22 million school days due to the common cold alone. This staggering statistic underscores the need for effective measures to reduce the transmission of contagious illnesses within educational environments.
Maintaining proper hygiene in schools is not only essential for physical health but also for academic performance. Research has shown that students who attend schools with clean and hygienic facilities are more likely to achieve higher academic success. A study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that students in schools with improved sanitation facilities had higher attendance rates and performed better academically compared to those in schools with inadequate sanitation. This correlation between sanitation and academic performance highlights the pivotal role that sanitary practices play in creating conducive learning environments.
By promoting sanitary practices in schools, educators can instill valuable habits of hygiene and responsibility in students from a young age. Teaching proper handwashing techniques, maintaining clean facilities, and encouraging the use of hand sanitizers can help students develop lifelong habits that contribute to their overall health and well-being. Moreover, creating a culture of health and responsibility within schools can have far-reaching effects beyond the classroom, influencing students’ behaviors and attitudes towards hygiene in their homes and communities.
The transmission of infectious diseases is intricately linked to poor sanitation and hygiene practices. Pathogens, whether bacteria, viruses, or parasites, can spread through various routes, including contaminated water, food, surfaces, and air. Inadequate hand hygiene, improper sanitation of wastewater, and unsanitary living conditions create favorable conditions for disease transmission, amplifying the risk of outbreaks and epidemics, particularly in densely populated areas and resource-constrained settings.
Vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, are disproportionately affected by the consequences of poor sanitation. Inadequate access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services exacerbates their susceptibility to infectious diseases, leading to higher morbidity and mortality rates. Children, in particular, are highly vulnerable to the adverse effects of poor sanitation, with diarrheal diseases alone accounting for an estimated 5.0 million deaths annually among children under the age of five, according to UNICEF.
Established as a dedicated Indonesian NGO, Air Minum Bersih operates with a single-minded focus on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 6: ensuring availability and sustainable management of clean water and sanitation for all. Governed by an independent Indonesian Board and adhering to strict regulatory frameworks, the organization operates with transparency and accountability at its core.
The mission of Air Minum Bersih is ambitious yet noble – to supply the daily water needs of 45,000 students spanning across 500 schools within the period of 2024-2025. Achieving such a feat requires not only robust infrastructure but also strategic partnerships. In this regard, the collaboration with Carocell Water Indonesia stands as a testament to the organization’s commitment to efficiency and effectiveness in execution and installation processes.
Central to the endeavors of Air Minum Bersih is the provision of adequate sanitation facilities in schools. Recognizing the integral link between clean water and sanitation, the organization has embarked on projects aimed at improving sanitary conditions in educational institutions. The success stories of schools like SD 1 Sayan, SD 2 Sayan, and SD 4 Sayan, where toilets and washbasins have been constructed to enhance sanitation standards, serve as inspiring examples of what can be achieved through concerted efforts.
However, amidst the triumphs lie the challenges that demand urgent attention. Schools like SD 3 Sayan serve as reminders of the work that remains to be done. Insufficient funding poses a significant hurdle in the quest to provide comprehensive sanitation solutions for all educational establishments. It is imperative that stakeholders, both governmental and non-governmental, unite in their efforts to bridge this gap and ensure that no school is left behind in the journey towards improved sanitation.
Beyond the immediate benefits of improved hygiene and health outcomes, investing in sanitary practices in schools yields far-reaching dividends. Studies have shown that access to clean water and sanitation facilities contributes to higher attendance rates, increased academic performance, and overall student well-being. By prioritizing initiatives that promote hygiene and sanitation, we not only fulfill our moral obligation to future generations but also lay the foundation for a healthier and more prosperous society..
In conclusion, the importance of sanitary practices in schools cannot be overstated. Organizations like Air Minum Bersih play a crucial role in championing the cause of clean water and sanitation for all. Through strategic partnerships, transparent governance, and relentless determination, significant strides have been made towards achieving this noble goal. However, the journey is far from over, and concerted efforts are needed to overcome the challenges that lie ahead. Together, let us ensure that every student has access to clean drinking water and sanitation facilities, paving the way for a brighter and healthier future.
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Berita Negara No 080 Tahun 2022
Akta Notaris
no 09, 30 September 2022
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