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WASH for Health Communication Package Brief

Designed with Extension Workers for Extension Workers to Use in Communities to

CHANGE BEHAVIOUR

FOR A HEALTHY FAMILY,

IT IS GOOD TO KNOW OUR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Build, Use and Maintain an Improved Latrine

Wash Your Hands with Soap Under Running Water Before Eating and After Defecating

Treat, Store, and Fetch Your

Drinking Water Safely

MODULE 1: GUIDES AND GAME

For a healthy family, it’s good to know our responsibilities: Build, use and maintain an improved latrine. Wash your hands with soap under running

water before eating and after defecating. Treat, store and fetch your drinking water safely.

Full permission granted to photocopy

List of Materials

1. GUIDE: Community Entry ......................................................................................................... 1

2. GUIDE: Discussion .................................................................................................................... 3

3. GUIDE: Group and Community Facilitation ............................................................................... 5

4. GUIDE: Role Plays .................................................................................................................... 7

5. GUIDE: Team Building .............................................................................................................. 9

6. GUIDE: Using Radio Spots and Drama ..................................................................................... 11

7. GUIDE: When and How to Combine WASH Topics .................................................................. 13

8. GUIDE: WASH Game .............................................................................................................. 15



Guides and Game - P a g e | 1


1. GUIDE: Community Entry

Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children

Users: Environmental Health Officers, Community Development Officers, Health Promotion Officers, Community Health Volunteers, Community Health Nurses, Natural Leaders, Teachers, SHEP Coordinators, other WASH and Health Practitioners.

Venues for Use: Communities, Homes, Schools, CHPS Compounds

What is Community Entry? Community Entry is a process through which community workers mobilize a community using participatory methods, such as community mapping, to come together to discuss their common interests and issues. It provides community workers with the opportunity to get to know the community before they begin to interact with them in-depth. Community Entry involves recognizing the local leadership structure of the community and working with their already laid down systems including their

traditions and culture. Most communities have their established calendars and rules of engagement, for example, there are meetings days, funeral days, and communal labour days in each month.

What is the purpose of Community Entry? Community Entry sets the stage and lays the foundation for all participatory work to be done in the community. How do we enter a Community?

Guidelines to the Facilitator Getting to Know the Community: Extension workers have to know something about the community they

intend to work in, even before they go there for their first visit. Some of the places you can get information

on a community are:

District Assembly Documents such as The District Profile, District Water and Sanitation Plan, District

Environmental Sanitation Strategy Action Plan (DESSAP) or from the Clients office at the Assembly

Documents from the Community Development Department

Documents from the District Health Management Team

Documents from the Environmental Health Department

District Education Office

Other NGOs or partners within the District

You can also get some information from informal sources, such as conversations with people who know the

community.





The duration for Community Entry will differ from community to community as the process is informed by the culture and practices of the people. STEPS:

Once you have successfully entered the community, use the additional guides provided in this series, such as Group and Community Facilitation, How and When to Combine WASH Topics, etc., to successfully guide your communities through interactive, participatory activities to encourage positive behaviour change.

Step 1

Know the Community: You should go into a community well informed. Read about the community and also speak to people

who know the community.

Step 2

Visit the Community: Start early so that you can spend a reasonable amount of time there. Once you get to the community, identify a contact

person, e.g. Assembly member, Unit Committee member, influential person in the community, etc.

Step 3

Meet the Community Leadership: Clearly explain the purpose of your visit to the community and how you intend to work with them to achieve the objectives. Observe local protocols. Seek their permission to work with the community.

Step 4

Plan to Meet the Community as a whole: Work with your contact person or any person assigned by community leaders to work with you to plan how to mobilize the community towards your first meeting with them. Clearly agree on who will do what and when. Remember to meet marginalized groups, e.g. women,

children, aged, persons with disabilities

Step 5

Conduct your first Community Meeting: Explain why you are there and how you intend to work with them. Allow community members to express their views and influence the process if necessary. If you planned conducting any participatory exercises

keep them interesting. Keep the meeting focused and just long enough to discuss

the issues clearly.

Agree on next steps before you close.

Who is a Contact Person? A Contact is a person in the community who acts as a liaison between the Extension field officer and the community at large. The Contact Person introduces the field officer to the community leadership.

Why be sensitive to the culture of the people? Respect the culture of the people, especially their protocols in meeting with their leaders. Respect their timelines including taboo days and meeting times.

Why provide information? Provide as much information as possible of your planned activities. This way the community will prepare itself mentally to work with you. Say exactly what you are bringing to the table and what part community members have to play.





2. GUIDE: Discussion


Users: Environmental Health Officers, Community Development Officers, Health Promotion Officers,

Community Health Volunteers, Community Health Nurses, Natural Leaders, Teachers, SHEP

Coordinators, other WASH and Health Practitioners.


What is a Discussion? Discussion is a process by which people express their views and opinions on a topic. Used in the context of community work. Discussion:

Allows for intensive interaction between a facilitator and a community group.

Provides opportunity for community members to share their perspectives on community issues.

Uses their experiences and understanding of local issues to bear on finding solutions for challenges in the community.

In a Discussion, the facilitator gives control to the group and empowers them to learn for themselves. A facilitator provides the trigger, such as a statement, a question, a picture, a video, a scenario, or other for discussion and the group members determine what they want to discuss based on that trigger and come up with solutions that work for them.

What is the purpose of a Discussion? A Discussion allows community members to leave with a clear message on how to improve their WASH and Health practices (situation) and what actions to take based on their own experiences and understanding of local issues.

What are the steps to conducting an effective Discussion?

Planning and organizing a Discussion is essential to a successful outcome, that is to say, the community group members will leave with a clear message on how to improve their practices and what actions to take.





STEPS:

Prepare and know the community

Review materials on the subject you will be discussing.

Prepare a prompting list of open-ended and probing questions to guide the discussion.

Prepare lead questions for your triggers.

Learn more about the community in which you will be working from colleagues, co-workers and other partner organisations.

If you are unfamiliar with the community, walk around it before starting your discussion to be able to visualize community issues.

Set up a Discussion-friendly physical setting

Prepare the setting so that:

Participants are comfortable and can relax.

They can see each other and the facilitator easily (see above illustration).

The facilitator feels like a part of the group.

Discuss

Start the Discussion

Have participants sit and welcome them.

Start with informal small talk to relax participants.

Set ground rules together with participants - most importantly: (1) respect for others’ comments and (2) equal right to be heard.

Read/show the “trigger”

Pose a lead question, such as “To what extent does

this happen in your community/is this an issue in your

community?”

Continue the Discussion

Listen attentively and repeat important information that is made to draw attention to it.

Allow participants to freely react directly and spontaneously to responses, comments or suggestions made by other members.

Use your prompting questions to keep the Discussion moving and in focus. End the Discussion

Detail key actions points that community members can do.

Focusing on these key action points, agree on what community members are going to do, as a community or as individuals and by what time.

Share the relevant commitment as a final word.

Sample Prompting Questions

Can you detail the situation more?

Why do you think this is the situation

in your community?

To what extent is this common

among most members of the

community?

How might you change the situation?

Managing Discussion Participants

Watch participant body language to

encourage many to speak

Watch your time carefully

Support all statements and engage

around all views

Allow participants to draw their own

conclusions and determine their own

solutions

Provide information only when

absolutely necessary or after the

discussion has ended





3. GUIDE: Group and Community Facilitation




What is Group and Community Facilitation? Community facilitation includes skills and techniques for ensuring that the community is able to participate as fully as possible in all stages of programme implementation, with all stakeholders involved, aware and active. These skills include community organizing, participatory approaches to implementation, adult education and creating dynamic learning environments to maximize outcomes.

What is the purpose of Group and Community Facilitation?

Group and Community Facilitation is geared towards action to address the urgent problems and issues that need to be tackled and solved in the communities. When might you use Group and Community Facilitation? a. At the start of something new. b. When an issue can no longer be ignored. c. When groups need to be brought together. d. When an existing group is considering its next step or seeking to address an issue of importance

to it.

What are the Elements of an Effective Group and Community Facilitation?

All members of the group have a chance to speak, expressing their own ideas and feelings freely, and to

pursue and finish out their thoughts.

All members of the group can hear others’ ideas and feelings stated openly.

Group members can safely test out ideas that are not yet fully formed.

Group members can receive and respond to respectful, but honest and constructive feedback.

A variety of points of view are put forward and discussed.

The discussion is not dominated by any one person.

Arguments, while they may be spirited, are based on the content of ideas and opinions, not on

personalities.

Even in disagreement, there’s an understanding that the group is working together to solve a problem,

create a plan, make a decision or come to a conclusion.





How can you use a Group and Community Facilitation?

Create a new situation – form a coalition, start an initiative, etc.

Explore cooperative or collaborative arrangements among groups or organizations.

Discuss and/or analyse an issue.

Create a strategic plan – for an initiative, an intervention, etc.

Discuss policy and policy change

Air concerns and differences among individuals or groups

Hold public hearings on proposed laws or regulations, development, etc.

Decide on an action

Provide mutual support

Solve a problem

Resolve a conflict

Plan the work or an event

What is good facilitator

behaviour?

Model the behaviour and

attitudes you want group

members to employ

Use encouraging body

language and tone of voice, as

well as words

Give positive feedback for

joining the discussion

Be aware of people’s reactions

and feelings, and try to

respond appropriately

Ask open-ended questions

Control your own biases

Encourage disagreement, and

help the group use it creatively

Listen more, allowing participants to speak more than you do.

CHECKLIST

How well am I facilitating group or community activities?

Check all that you feel are true. If you checked 8 or more, you

are facilitating well. If less than 8, think about how to

strengthen those unchecked areas.

Do I use the three basic principles of facilitation?

I bring out the opinions and ideas of group members I focus on how people participate in the process as well as

on what gets achieved I never take sides

Do I encourage participation?

I make sure everyone feels comfortable speaking I create an environment that allows all ideas to be heard I make members feel good about their contributions I support what they’ve said, I do not criticize

Do I understand the tasks of the facilitator?

I understand the goals of the meeting or activity I keep the group and the agenda moving forward I involve everyone in the meeting I encourage consensus decision making





4. GUIDE: Role Plays




What is a Role Play? Role Plays are an exercise that create opportunity for discussion of key issues. Individual from the group are given roles which they will act out using a provided scenario. People act out the role based on their knowledge of the chosen character and appreciation of the issue (s) under discussion.

Role plays can bring out health issues with the objective of facilitating behaviour change and generating a more insightful appreciation of the issues that influence people’s behaviours. What is the purpose of a Role Play? A Role Play allows community to act issues around a topic and freely discuss how to deal with this issue based on their community context.

Guidelines to the Facilitator Each Role play scenario provided comes with discussion points. These discussion points are expected to bring out the key issues related to the focus of the Role play. The guidelines below, are generic instructions for discussing Role plays. The facilitator should integrate the discussion points with the guidelines to fully address all aspects of the topic. At the end of each discussion the facilitator should mention the commitment which is appropriate to the discussion. How did you feel playing your individual roles? What did the audience see? How would you describe the actions of each player? To what extent does this reflect real life situation? How was it different? How might the ‘situation’ be improved? Why? Who needs to be involved? How? What lessons can we learn from the personal experiences of others? What steps/actions are we going to take when we leave here today? Why?





What are the steps to conducting an effective Role Play?

Step 1 Introduce the Issue: If at the beginning of a session or

interaction, introduce the topic of discussion and the

key focus issues.

• If in the middle of a session or interaction,

introduce the key focus issues in the role play

scenario.

Step 2 Identify Roles: Ask for volunteers.

• Specify roles - outside of the full group [participants should only know the general topic and key focus issues].

• Give them a few minutes to prepare. • Provide them with props.

Step 3 Set Scenario: Give brief introduction on the topic of discussion and/or key focus issues involved.

Step 4 Act: Have volunteers act out the role play scenario

Step 5 Discuss: Lead a discussion on the role play, using specific discussion points provided. • Emphasize key focus issues. • Share relevant commitment as a final word.

Select Roles Carefully: It is

important that those

chosen to play a role have

knowledge of the role

otherwise they will not be

able to bring out the

critical issues.

Also, be sensitive when

there are persons with

disabilities in the group.

Their disability should not

be mocked at during the

enactment. Involve them

where appropriate.

Always remember that

the Role Play is not a

Drama. Role Plays are

short and straight to the

point. Role Players do not

have to learn a script.





5. GUIDE: Team Building Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



What is Team Building? Team building refers to various activities that can be undertaken to motivate community members and increase overall performance. A team can achieve more than an individual when each and every member is focused on and understands his or her responsibilities. A motivating factor is a must. When individuals

with a common purpose are motivated to do their best, the team that is formed by these individuals is equally motivated to achieve the common purpose. Team building can be integrated into daily tasks, like opening a community meeting, etc. While various activities can be undertaken to address different issues, ensuring an element of fun will increase the effectiveness of the activity.

What is the purpose of Team Building?

Team building brings together a group of people around a common problem or task to find a solution acceptable to all.

“Together Everyone Achieves More

Successful Team Building

No matter which activity is selected for team building, the success of your activity will be influenced in no small part by: The similarity between the activity and the

required outcomes.

The conditions the facilitator creates. The enthusiasm shown and created by the

facilitator. Acknowledgement that some people are

more comfortable than others in undertaking activities.

How the team is organised. The quality and way the introduction is run. The post activity follow-up.





How do you build a Team? Try using any of these simple exercises at the beginning of a group discussion, community meeting or discussion to work on a particular issue or at any time you feel is appropriate.

Team Building Activities

STICK

Instructions: Form two lines facing each other. Lay a long, thin stick on each member of the group’s index/pointer finger. Tell each team to lower the stick to the ground together, never grabbing the stick, only using their index finger.

Materials Needed: 2 long sticks, long enough so that at least 5 people can hold it with their index/pointer fingers

Questions to Ask: What happened? Why was it easy or difficult to move or lower the stick to the ground together? What lesson have been learnt and how does that affect us in our daily life?

UNTANGLE

Instructions: Put 6-20 people in a circle. Ask them to close their eyes and put their left hand into the middle of their circle and grab a hand. Tell them to keep their eyes closed and put their right hand into the circle and grab a hand. Tell them to keep hold of the hands they have grabbed and now open their eyes. Ask them to untangle their hands and arms WITHOUT LETTING GO OF EACH OTHER’S HANDS.

Materials Needed: None required

Questions to Ask: What happened? Why was it easy or difficult to untangle your hands and arms without letting go off each other’s hands? What lesson have been learnt and how does that affect us in our daily life?

TRUST

Instructions: Scatter objects on the ground, with just enough room to move around and through them. Put 10 people into pairs of 2. Ask one person to be blindfolded or close their eyes. Instruct the other to verbally guide his/her blindfolded partner through the objects to the other side.

Materials Needed: Objects-rocks, buckets, basins, chairs, stools, other; blindfolds

Questions to Ask: What happened? Why was it easy or difficult to guide the person through the obstacles? What lesson have been learnt and how does that affect us in our daily life?

SUPPORT

Instructions: Invite 5 participants in the middle of the group. Ask them to form a circle. Ask the full group, how many legs they can count (10). Ask these 5 participants to reduce the number of legs to 7, then 5, then 4, with all the 5 participants still in the form of a circle.

Materials Needed: None

Questions to Ask: What happen? Was it easy or difficult to reduce 10 legs to 7, 5, and 4? What lesson have been learnt and how does that affect us in our daily life?





6. GUIDE: Using Radio Spots and Drama




What is a Radio Spot or Script? Radio spots are 30 - 60-seconds story taped by actors and played on the radio. Radio scripts are the text of these same spots that can be read if a taped spot is unavailable. Radio scripts and spots can be read or played during a group session or community activity to encourage discussion around the specific WASH and health behaviours.

How can you use a Radio Spot effectively during a group or community session? Remember these simple, helpful tips and using a radio spot or script will be effective every time. If the spots are airing in your communities, remember to link the radio spot messages to your sessions and remind community members to always listen to the aired spots.

If playing the Radio Spot:

Put the group in a circle close to the playing device so

that all can hear clearly

Play a spot and discuss with the group

Play the spot 2-3 more times and continue to discuss

If using the Radio Scripts:

Prepare to read it out as if it were a radio spot and

discuss with the group

As with the radio spots, read the script 2-3 more times

and continue to discuss

Be sure to ALWAYS read the narrator part at the

beginning and end of the spot

Be sure to ask questions for feedback

Preparation to Use a Radio Spot or

Radio Script

Make sure you have your laptop,

and CD or radio to listen to it

when it airs.

Ensure you have the batteries or

electricity you need.

If you are going to read it,

practice it 2-3 times before your

session.

If the script calls for more than

one person, be sure they have

enough notice to practice the

script as well.

Prepare a few discussion

questions before the session.





What is a Drama Script?

A drama script is a longer story in 2-3 Acts that can be performed live. Drama scripts can be performed by a local group at a community event or meeting and used to encourage discussion around the specific WASH and health behaviours. How can you use a Drama Script effectively during a group or community session?

Remember these simple, helpful tips and using a drama script will be effective every time.

Find a local troupe or school children or interested people within the community that can

perform the drama.

Provide them with copies of the drama at least one week

prior to when they will act out the drama.

Have them do a dress rehearsal so that you can assure

they are following the:

(1) Script - Please note that the script should not be

changed as it will also change the messages. The

scripts were developed based on research, so please

don’t add or subtract from dialogue.

(2) Set layout - Have they put the same items in the

scene that are mentioned in the script. These items

are essential to the dialogue, so please follow them as

closely as possible.

Ask discussion questions after the drama has been

enacted.

Preparation to Use a Drama Script

Pull together all materials

needed for the drama.

Find a suitable location for the

drama – that can

accommodate the audience so

that they can see what is

happening and large enough

for the actors to perform.

Prepare your discussions

questions to use after the

drama.





7. GUIDE: When and How to Combine WASH Topics




What WASH topics might you want to combine?

You might want to combine any of the following WASH topics: 1. Treat drinking water safely 2. Store drinking water safely 3. Fetch drinking water safely 4. Build a Tippy Tap or handwashing station for proper handwashing 5. Wash hands with soap under running water before eating 6. Wash hands with soap under running water after defecating 7. Use a household latrine properly 8. Maintain a household latrine properly 9. Maintain an institutional latrine properly

When might you want to combine these WASH topics?

Often times, you know that you will only have the group or community members once and then not again for a while, so you want to maximize your time with them. This would be the time to combine appropriate WASH topics so that you can encourage them to consider a couple of cluster behaviours – those behaviours that reinforce each other or make the behaviours easier to perform, such as a handwashing station makes handwashing with soap under running water easier.

Guidelines to the Facilitator when Combining WASH Topics

Use the topics in a logical order: Treatment before storage of drinking water Building of a Tippy Tap near the latrine to encourage handwashing with soap under

running water after defecating.

Use topics that reinforce each other: Use and maintenance of a household latrine Use of a household latrine and handwashing after defecating

Combine no more than three topics at a time

Never combine “constructing an improved household latrine with something else

Only combine WASH topics when you know you have at least one hour with the group





How might you combine these WASH topics? While you can use any of the topics listed above by themselves in the time you have available to you, you should only combine WASH topics when you know you have enough time with the group.

Audience

Time Available

for the Session

Topics to Combine

Mothers

1 hour

Wash hands properly with soap under running water before eating

Wash hands properly with soap under running water after defecating

General Community Members

Wash hands with soap under running water before eating

Wash hands with soap under running water after defecating

Mothers

1 hour 30 minutes

Build a Tippy Tap and demonstrate proper hand washing with soap

Wash hands properly with soap under running water before eating


Children Wash hands properly with soap under running water before eating


Partners Use a household latrine properly Maintain a household latrine properly

Partners Wash hands with soap under running water before eating


General Community Members

Wash hands with soap under running water before eating


Use a household latrine properly





8. GUIDE: WASH Game




DESCRIPTION “The WASH Game” is a tool which specifically addresses “good” and “bad” behaviours on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). It highlights the best practices to avoid diarrhoeal and other water-borne, sanitation, and hygiene-related diseases. This game is designed to educate, foster discussion, entertain, and promote positive changes in WASH behaviours that lead to a healthy family. It can be played by adults and children during group sessions, school activities, or community events. The game consists of:

1. Dice 2. Counters (pebbles) 3. Picture Cards depicting good and bad WASH behaviours 4. Game board

HOW TO PLAY The game is played by 2 to 4 players. Each player will enter at START on the board and finish on END. You need to throw a SIX (6) on the dice to enter at START. You play again to move forward. At the start of the game, the cards are shuffled and placed Upside Down and will remain in the same position until the Game is finished.

The Footsteps on the Playing Board will lead you the way to go. Upon landing on BLACK-COLOURED SQUARES on the Game Board, you pick up the top card and the player who picked the card will state whether the picture on the card is a good or a bad practice and why. The rest of the players will indicate whether they agree or not and give reasons. See HOW TO AWARD MOVEMENT to determine whether a player moves forward, backward or stays in place. The card is then placed at the bottom of the pile.

For easy interpretation of the Good and Bad WASH Practices of the pictures

Good Practice WHITE background

Bad Practice GRAY background

The first player to reach the END is the winner.





HOW TO AWARD MOVEMENT (STEPS FORWARD OR BACKWARD)

If a player picks up a “good behaviour” card and can cite at least 3 reasons why it is a good

behaviour, the player will move forward 5 steps.

If a player picks up a “good behaviour” card, but cannot cite at least 3 reasons why it is a good

behaviour, the player stays where s/he is (does not move forward 5 steps).

If a player picks up a “bad behaviour” card and can cite at least 3 reasons why it is a bad

behaviour, the player stays where s/he is (does not have to move back any steps).

If a player picks up a “bad behaviour” card, but cannot cite at least 3 reasons why it is a bad

behaviour, the player moves back 5 steps.

FACILITATION OF THE GAME The pictures on the cards depict scenes of good and bad WASH behaviours. Each picture should be presented to the wider group (both players and observers) and described by the player who picked up the card. During facilitation, possible questions to ask of the players to stimulate discussion could include:

1. What is happening in the picture on the card? (Ensure that the scene is described and understood)

2. What is good and bad about the scene on the card? What happens to people and the wider community when these practices are engaged in?

3. How common is this practice in your community? 4. What could be a better practice?

At the end of the game, the facilitator should ask the wider group what they think were the main messages? What have they learned? What changes will they make in their WASH practices?

For a healthy family, it’s good to know our responsibilities: Build, use and maintain an improved latrine. Wash your hands with soap under running water before eating and after defecating. Treat, store and fetch your

drinking water safely.



GAME CARDS – BEHAVIOURS AND ID CODES

NO KEY BEHAVIOURS GOOD PRACTICES (WHITE BACKRGOUND) BAD PRACTICES (GRAY BACKGROUND)

1 BUILD LATRINE GC1-1 Build an improved household latrine GC1-2 Construct Tippy Tap by household latrine

GC1-3 Open defecation GC1-4 Defecating in plastic bag

2 USE LATRINE GC2-1 Drop anal cleansing material in squat hole GC2-2 Use an improved household latrine

GC2-3 Dirty Household latrine GC2-4 Defecating by a stream

3 MAINTAIN LATRINE GC3-1 Drop ash in pit to reduce odour GC3-2 Sweep household latrine daily

GC3-3 Bushy household latrine surroundings GC3-4 Rundown household latrine

4 DISPOSE OF CHILDREN’S FAECES SAFELY

GC4-1 Assist young children use HHL GC4-2 Empty chamber pot in HHL

GC4-3 Woman emptying faeces in chamber pot into bush GC4-4 Woman cooking by uncovered chamber pot with flies

5 WASH HANDS BEFORE EATING

GC5-1 Wash hands properly before eating GC5-2 Assist young children wash hands before eating

GC5-3 Hand washing in bowl of water before eating GC5-4 Communal hand washing by children before eating

6 WASH HAND AFTER DEFECATING

GC6-1 Wash hands properly after defecating GC6-2 Wash hands after emptying chamber pot

GC6-3 Broken down Tippy Tap GC6-4 Child eating while defecating

7 BOIL WATER BEFORE DRINKING

GC7-1 Filter water before boiling GC7-2 Boil water before drinking

GC7-3 Drinking surface water GC7-4 Drinking water from barrel

8 STORE DRINKING WATER SAFELY

GC8-1 Cover drinking water pot GC8-2 Store drinking water safely

GC8-3 Uncovered drinking water pot GC8-4 Poor water storage practice

9 FETCH DRINKING WATER SAFELY

GC9-1 Fetch drinking water for children GC9-2 Fetch drinking water safely

GC9-3 Fetching drinking water with cup without handle GC9-4 Fetching and drinking from same utensil

For a healthy family, it’s good to know our responsibilities: Build, use and maintain an improved latrine. Wash your hands with soap under running water before eating and after defecating. Treat, store and fetch your drinking water safely.

Brief - P a g e | 1


The WASH for Health Communication Package

The Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) for Health (W4H) Program has put together a

comprehensive package of materials for you to use in your communication sessions. These materials

have been developed to help you change WASH behaviours in your communities.

The following is a list of the types of materials contained in the WASH for Health Communication

Package. Materials have been developed for the following three behaviours and responsibilities:

1. Build, use and maintain your household latrine properly

2. Wash your hands with soap under running water before eating and after defecating

3. Treat, store and fetch your drinking water safely



Materials Description

Guides Guides are basic overviews and steps for how to conduct discussions, role plays, community entry, group and community facilitation, team building and when and how to combine WASH behaviours. These guides are only intended for you to help strengthen and refresh on your community and group skill sets.

Game Game allows group and community members a fun way to learn about WASH and the desired WASH behaviours.

Fact Sheets Fact sheets provide specific information so that you can effectively answer questions that might come up on each of the specific WASH behaviours.

How to’s How to’s provide illustrations of steps to carry out the practices and behaviours being promoted. They are intended for use during discussions sessions and for distribution to community and group members.

Instructions to Conduct Sessions

Instructions provide you with step-by-step details on how to conduct a group session on the specific WASH behaviours.

Radio Spots (scripts and spots)

Radio scripts and spots can be read or played during a group session or community activity to encourage discussion around the specific WASH behaviours.

Drama Scripts Drama scripts can be performed by a local group at a community event or meeting and used to encourage discussion around the specific WASH behaviours.

Role Plays Role plays provide you with a set of short scenarios that can be acted out by a couple of members of a group and discussed. Each role play provides key focus issues and questions to help you guide the discussion after the role play has been enacted.

Stories for Discussion

Stories for discussion are short stories for you to read to a group that will stimulate conversations around the specific WASH behaviours.

Home Visit Checklists

Home Visit Checklists give you a short set of questions and observation points that you can use when you are visiting households to assess where things are working and where you might need to place more emphasis in your group discussions as they are not changing their practices as you would like to see.


Brief - P a g e | 2


WHEN AND HOW TO USE EACH MATERIAL

Material WHEN HOW

Guides When you need to refresh your information on an approach before you conduct a session

Review a guide when you need to refresh your information

Use the list of questions and checklists as appropriate

Practice the skills discussed in each

Work to improve those skills where you have weaknesses and reinforce those skills where you have strengths

Game During a group or community session

Review the game instructions

Reconfirm that all cards and game pieces are there

Develop a list of questions you can ask during the game and after the game – reinforcing the three key practices

Play the game

Discuss the game afterwards

Fact Sheets When you need to refresh your information on a topic before you conduct a session

Use this information to respond to questions as they are asked

Provide details when appropriate

Develop questions for the group based on the information found in the Fact Sheets [please note that this Communication Package provides several sets of questions like this for you]

How to’s When you conduct a group or community session or event

Have many copies available

Distribute them to the primary audience

Use them to guide a discussion on how to carry out the specific behaviour

Instructions to Conduct Sessions

Before you conduct a session

Read them before you start a session

Adapt any section as needed for your group or situation

Be sure to have the “commitments” clearly in mind so that you can assure everyone leaves with a practice to do when they get home

Radio Spots (scripts and spots)

When you conduct a session or event

If you have the spots, have a recorder or laptop available to play the spots

Play a spot and have discussion with the group

If you only have the scripts, prepare to read it out as if it were a radio spot [be sure to have a second person available when the script calls for two of you]

Be sure to ALWAYS read the narrator part at the beginning and end of the spot

Drama Scripts When you conduct a school or community event

Find a local troupe that can perform the drama

Provide them with copies of the drama at least one week prior to when they will act out the drama

Have them do a dress rehearsal so that you can assure they are (1) following the script and (2) following the set

Develop your list of questions to ask of the participating group after they have seen the drama


Brief - P a g e | 3


Material WHEN HOW

Role Plays During a group or community session

Review the role play scenarios

Make sure you have all materials needed for the role play

When possible, ask a couple of participants to prepare before you start the session

Use the discussion questions to discuss what happened and provide the key focus issues

Stories for Discussion

During a group or community session

Review the story for discussion

Prepare your list of facilitating questions

Read it out during the session

Allow the group to discuss, while you facilitate the discussion

Home Visit Checklists

During a home visit Use only one type of checklist per home visit, e.g. only Handwashing or only Water or only Latrine – not all together

Prepare enough copies to use during your home visits

Complete one checklist per household

Review the results

Based on results, adjust what sessions you carry out, e.g. if you find that mothers are “using soap”, but not “under running water”, target your next session on ensuring they wash hands under running water

WE WISH YOU ALL THE BEST IN YOUR COMMUNICATION WORK AND THE BEST

OF CHANGING WASH BEHAVIOURS IN YOUR COMMUNITIES.


Brief - P a g e | 4


For a healthy family, it’s good to know our responsibilities:

Build, use and maintain an improved household latrine properly

Wash your hands with soap under running water before eating and after defecating

Treat, store and fetch your drinking water safely.


Brief - P a g e | 5


MODULE 1: GENERAL GUIDES AND GAME Guides General

Material Name Audience

1. Community Entry Secondary

2. Discussion Secondary

3. Group and Community Facilitation Secondary

4. Role Play Secondary

5. Team building Secondary

6. Using Radio Spots and Drama Secondary

7. When and How to Combine WASH Topics Secondary

WASH General


8. WASH game Primary


Brief - P a g e | 6


MODULE 2: BUILD, USE AND MAINTAIN AN IMPROVED LATRINE

Build an Improved Latrine


1. Fact Sheet on Build a Latrine Secondary

2. How to Build an Improved Latrine Primary

3. Instructions to Conduct Session on Building a Latrine Secondary

4. Radio Spot-Build Latrine Primary

5. Drama-good sanitation practices and benefits of latrine ownership Primary

6. Role Play - Build a latrine Primary

7. Role Play - Affordability of household latrine Primary

8. Story for Discussion - Safety and convenience of latrine Primary

9. Discussion - Need for household latrine Primary

10. Home Visit Checklist – Build an Improved Latrine Secondary

Use and Maintain an Improved Latrine


11. Fact Sheet on Use and Maintain Latrine Secondary

12. How to Use and Maintain Latrine Primary

13. Instructions to Conduct Session on Using and Maintaining a Latrine Secondary

14. Fact Sheet on Safely Dispose of Child’s Faeces Secondary

15. How to Safely dispose of child’s faeces Primary

16. Instructions to Conduct Session on Safely disposing of child’s faeces Secondary

17. Radio Spot - Use and maintain latrine Primary

18. Radio Spot - Safely dispose of child’s faeces Primary

19. Drama script - Use and Maintain latrine Primary

20. Role Play - Use latrine properly Primary

21. Role Play - Maintain latrine properly Primary

22. Role Play – Safely dispose of child’s faeces Primary

23. Story for Discussion - Use and clean latrine Primary

24. Story for Discussion - Maintain latrine Primary

25. Story Discussion - Dispose of child’s faeces properly Primary

26. Home Visit Checklist - Latrine Usage, Maintain, managing child’s faeces Secondary


Brief - P a g e | 7


MODULE 3: WASH YOUR HANDS WITH SOAP UNDER RUNNING WATER BEFORE EATING AND AFTER DEFECATING Material Name Audience

1. Fact Sheet - Handwashing with soap Secondary

2. How to Wash hands with soap under running water Primary

3. Instructions to Conduct Session on Handwashing with soap Secondary

4. How to Build Tippy Tap Primary

5. Instructions to Conduct Session on Tippy Tap constructions Secondary

6. Radio spot – Handwashing with soap Primary

7. Radio spot – Handwashing station Primary

8. Drama – Handwashing with soap Primary

9. Talk Show Guide on Handwashing with soap Secondary

10. Role Play – Handwashing with soap – before eating Primary

11. Role Play – Handwashing with soap – after defecating Primary

12. Story for Discussion - Handwashing with soap women Primary

13. Story for Discussion - Handwashing with soap men Primary

14. Home visit checklist - Handwashing with soap Secondary


Brief - P a g e | 8


MODULE 4: TREAT, STORE AND FETCH DRINKING WATER SAFELY Material Name Audience

1. Fact Sheet Boil Water Secondary

2. How to Boil Water Primary

3. Instructions to Conduct Session on Boiling water Secondary

4. Fact Sheet Store and Retrieve Water Secondary

5. How to Store and Retrieve Water Safely Primary

6. Instructions to Conduct Session on Storing water Secondary

7. Instructions to Conduct Session on Fetching water Secondary

8. Radio Spot – Boil Primary

9. Radio Spot – Store Primary

10. Radio Spot – Fetch Primary

11. Role Play – Boil – Sister Rose Primary

12. Role Play – Boil – Kwesi Primary

13. Role Play – Store Primary

14. Role Play - Retrieve/fetch Primary

15. Story for Discussion – Boil – Refreshing Primary

16. Story for Discussion – Boil – Boring Primary

17. Story for Discussion – Store – Clean Containers Primary

18. Story for Discussion – Store – Out of Reach of Children Primary

19. Story for Discussion – Store – Separate Containers Primary

20. Story for Discussion – Fetch Primary

21. Home Visit Checklist - Boil, store and Fetch Secondary

22. Home Visit Checklist - What/How/When to Clean Drinking water

containers/utensils

Secondary

LEAFLETS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE PRIMARY AUDIENCES 1. Key Promise and Key Messages

2. How to Build an Improved Latrine

3. How to Use and Maintain Latrine

4. How to Safely Dispose of Child’s Feces

5. How to Wash hands with Soap under Running Water – School Children

6. How to Wash hands with Soap under Running Water – Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers

7. How to Build Tippy Tap

8. How to Boil Water

9. How to Store and Fetch Water Safely

MODULE 2: BUILD, USE AND MAINTAIN AN

IMPROVED LATRINE

MODULE 3: WASH YOUR HANDS WITH SOAP

UNDER RUNNING WATER BEFORE EATING AND

AFTER DEFECATING



List of Materials

1. FACT SHEET: Washing your Hands with Soap under Running Water Before Eating and After Defecating 1

2. HOW TO Wash your Hands Properly in 5 SIMPLE STEPS – School Children .............................................. 2

3. HOW TO Wash your Hands Properly in 5 SIMPLE STEPS – Mothers, Fathers, Caregivers ......................... 3

4. INSTRUCTIONS: Proper Handwashing with Soap ..................................................................................... 4

5. HOW TO Build a Tippy Tap ...................................................................................................................... 5

6. INSTRUCTIONS: Constructing a Tippy Tap ................................................................................................ 6

7. RADIO SPOT: Wash Your Hands with Soap Under Running Water Before Eating and After Defecating ... 7

8. RADIO SPOT: Handwashing Station Close to Your Kitchen and Latrine Makes Handwashing with Soap

Under Running Water an Easy Thing ....................................................................................................... 8

9. DRAMA SCRIPT: Handwashing with Soap ................................................................................................ 9

10. TALK SHOW GUIDE: Handwashing with Soap Under Running Water Before Eating and After Defecating16

11. ROLE-PLAY: Handwashing with Soap Under Running Water Before Eating ........................................ 18

12. ROLE PLAY: Handwashing with Soap Under Running Water After Defecating ................................... 19

13. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Handwashing with Soap Under Running Water ........................................ 20

14. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Handwashing with Soap Under Running Water ......................................... 21

15. HOME/SCHOOL VISIT CHECKLIST: Wash Hands with Soap Under Running Water Before Eating and

After Defecating ................................................................................................................................ 22


Handwashing - P a g e | 1


1. FACT SHEET: Washing your Hands with Soap under Running Water Before Eating and After Defecating




WHAT IS HANDWASHING WITH SOAP UNDER

RUNNING WATER?

Handwashing with soap under running water is the way to clean hands of germs that can cause illnesses and diseases. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO WASH HANDS WITH SOAP UNDER RUNNING WATER? Frequent handwashing

practice is the most

important thing you can

do to prevent disease and

reduce the spread of

infection. It is also

important to wash the hands of young children

under five and infants. They constantly put

their hands in their mouths. Washing their

hands can reduce diseases and illnesses caused

by dirty hands such as the cholera and

diarrhoeal diseases. Handwashing with soap

also refreshes our hands making us feel

comfortable.

WHAT DO WE NEED TO WASH OUR HANDS?

Soap - Any type of soap can be used for handwashing including bar soap, liquid soap and powdered soap.

Water – Adequate running water is required.

Handwashing station - Having a handwashing station near the latrine and where the family eats makes it easier to wash hands. It encourages handwashing as a habit and an everyday action. Good handwashing stations provide soap, running water and soak away pit

to manage wastewater. Taps, Veronica buckets, and Tippy Taps are all good handwashing facilities. Pouring water from a bowl, ‘buta’, cup or other receptacle on to the hand is also a good form of washing hands under running water. Communal handwashing in a common bowl is not healthy.

WHEN SHOULD WE WASH OUR HANDS?

Handwashing is important at all times; however, there are two especially critical times when we should never forget to wash our hands. These two times are before eating and after defecating. (1) Before Eating Handwashing is critical before we put anything into our mouth. We should thoroughly wash our hands before we eat anything. This even includes things like biscuits, bread, fruits, and nuts. Mothers and caregivers should also wash the hands of their infants and young children before they eat and before feeding them. (2) After Defecating Anytime we finish using the toilet, we immediately need to wash our hands. This will ensure that any germs that our hands pick up, including pieces of faecal matter, can be washed off. Mothers and caregivers should also wash the hands of their young children after they use the toilet. *It is also important for mothers with infants to wash their hands after cleaning their babies’ bottoms.*




2. HOW TO Wash your Hands Properly in 5 SIMPLE STEPS – School Children

It is important to wash our hands properly with soap every time before eating and after defecating to kill the disease-causing germs that can make us sick.

1. Wet your hands

and apply soap

2. Rub palms together

3. Wash hands and

fingers

4. Rinse under running

water

5. Air dry




3. HOW TO Wash your Hands Properly in 5 SIMPLE STEPS – Mothers, Fathers, Caregivers

It is important to wash our hands properly with soap every time before eating and after defecating to kill the disease-causing germs that can make us sick.

1. Wet your hands and

apply soap

2. Rub palms together

3. Wash hands and

fingers

4. Rinse under running

water

5. Air Dry



4. INSTRUCTIONS: Proper Handwashing with Soap Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



What is handwashing? Handwashing is the act of cleaning one's hands with the use of running water and soap to remove soil, dirt, and/or germs. Handwashing before eating and after defecating must be done always to be effective. It is an easy, quick, and inexpensive habit that a whole family can practice to stay healthy. How can you use these instructions for a demonstration?

Steps:

Welcome the group and explain the purpose of the

session: the importance of handwashing for themselves

and their children under five, the two critical times to

wash hands, and how to properly wash hands.

Ask participants:

o What do you know about handwashing?

o Why is handwashing important for you and your

children?

o When do you wash your hands and that of your

children?

o How do you wash your hands? (Let one or two members demonstrate)

o How do you wash the hands of your children? (Ask one or two members to

demonstrate)

Demonstrate the proper ways to wash hands building on their own example for (1) their

own hands and (2) the hands of their children.

Ask questions to reinforce new knowledge as you demonstrate each.

Ask them if they have any questions and if in your plan, distribute the How-to Wash

Hands.

Ask for their commitments to the points below:

1. Wash the hands of their children under five with soap under running water every time

before eating and after defecating.

2. Wash their hands with soap under running water every time before eating and after

defecating.

Preparation

Review and refer to

Handwashing with Soap

Fact Sheet, as needed.

Have a demonstration Kit

with all provisions: water,

soap, Veronica bucket,

and/or Tippy Tap

If you plan to distribute the

How-to Wash Hands, carry

needed copies with you.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soap

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soil

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dirt




5. HOW TO Build a Tippy Tap A Tippy Tap will help you wash your hands properly and regularly making it a habit. Place a Tippy Tap near your latrine and near where you eat.

8. Attach the other

end of the string to

the foot stick as

shown

1. Dig two small holes about 2

feet apart

2. Place one forked stick in each

hole. Make sure they are the same

height

3. Fill each hole with sand and

stone to pack the sticks tightly so

that they don’t move

4. Heat the nail with

the fire

6. Make a hole in

the soap. Put the string

through it

5. Make two holes in the

container as shown

Soap Nail

Digging tools

String

Gravel

Water

container

2m Forked sticks x2 1m Straight sticks x2

Fire

7. Attach a string to the

container




6. INSTRUCTIONS: Constructing a Tippy Tap




What is a Tippy Tap? A Tippy Tap is a simple device that allows the whole family to easily wash their hands under running water with soap before eating and after defecating. How can you use these instructions for a demonstration? Steps:

Welcome the group and explain the purpose of the session: handwashing and building a Tippy Tap.

Ask participants: o When do you wash your hands? o How do you wash your hands? (one or two

demonstrate) o Do you have a handwashing station now? If yes,

what kind? Where is it placed?

Build a Tippy Tap with the group watching carefully.

Ask for questions as you build.

Now ask the group to build another Tippy Tap, providing help when and where needed.

Ask them if they have any questions about building a Tippy Tap.

Distribute one bar of soap to each participant for their Tippy Tap and Tippy Tap building supplies or How to Build a Tippy Tap.

Ask for their commitment to the points below. 1. Build at least one Tippy Tap near where they eat and near their toilet. 2. Ask their entire family to wash their hands with soap under running water before eating

and after defecating.

Preparation

Review and refer to Handwashing with Soap Fact

Sheet, as needed.

Gather possible handwashing supplies: water,

gallons, basin, soap, sticks, nails, and twine, source

of heat

Prepare building supplies to build two Tippy Taps

(see page 2).

If you plan to give out Tippy Tap building supplies to

each participant, be sure you have collected and put

together the number you need.

If you plan to distribute the How to Build a Tippy

Tap, copy the number needed.




7. RADIO SPOT: Wash Your Hands with Soap Under Running

Water Before Eating and After Defecating

Time Sound Voice

00.0 – 00.03 00.03 – 00.10 00.11 00.20 – 00.23 00.42 – 00.50

Key Promise Music Sound of handwashing under running water Key Promise Music

Key Message Voice: For a healthy family, it’s good to know our responsibilities: Wash your hands with soap under running water before eating and after defecating. Narrator: Hello, did you know that the simple act of handwashing with soap under running water before eating and after defecating is very effective in cleaning our hands of germs that cause or spread diseases such as cholera and diarrhoea? Narrator: Making handwashing with soap a habit can be easy because handwashing is an everyday thing. Simply station a handwashing facility with soap and water near eating or cooking area and toilet. This makes handwashing easy when it is needed most – before eating and after using the toilet. Key Message Voice: For a healthy family, it’s good to know our responsibilities: Wash your hands with soap under running water before eating and after defecating. This message is brought to you by Ghana Health Service and USAID.




8. RADIO SPOT: Handwashing Station Close to Your Kitchen and

Latrine Makes Handwashing with Soap Under Running Water

an Easy Thing

Time Sound Voice

00.00– 00.03 0.04 – 00.10 00.11 – 00.13 00.13 00.50 – 00.55

Key Promise Music Sound of digging Key Promise Music

Key Message Voice: For a healthy family, it’s good to know our responsibilities: Wash your hands with soap under running water before eating and after defecating. Akua: eh! Akos, what are you doing? Are you expanding your kitchen? Akos: No! My friend, I’m just fixing a handwashing facility near the kitchen. This way, handwashing with soap under running water will become easy for everybody in my family. I will also fix one near the latrine. We will wash our hands with soap under running water before we cook, serve food or eat and after using the latrine. And it will be easy to wash my hands after cleaning my baby’s bottom. Akua: how did you think of such a great idea? We also wash our hands but this is a better way. Akos: I spoke with the community-based volunteer and he taught me how to make this simple handwashing facility. It is so easy to build. Now all I have to do is to teach the children to wash their hands with soap and ensure the whole family uses it and also make sure there is soap and water always. Akua: I’m also going to learn how to make this handwashing facility and make sure we also practice this better handwashing. Key Message Voice: For a healthy family, it’s good to know our responsibilities: Wash your hands with soap under running water before eating and after defecating. This message is brought to you by Ghana Health Service and USAID.




9. DRAMA SCRIPT: Handwashing with Soap

A PLAY IN ONE ACT




CAST OF CHARACTERS

Kofi: A JHS 2 Pupil Stephen: Kofi’s Friend. Also in JHS 2 Rose: Kofi’s younger Sister Maa Lucy: Kofi and Rose’s Mother

Hajia: Waakye Seller (Food Vendor)

Kwame: Younger brother of Kofi and Rose

Scene

On the school compound, outside. At home, outside. Outside.

Time Present day




Scene 1

Setting: On the school compound during break time. Hajia the Waakye seller has

Stephen’s food dished out and is in the process of serving Kofi while Stephen washes his hands with soap at the Veronica bucket close by.

At Rise: Stephen talks to Kofi as he washes his hands.

Narrator “For a healthy family, it’s good to know our responsibilities: Wash your hands with soap

under running water before eating and after defecating”

Stephen It’s so easy to remember to wash one’s hands before eating when there is a handwashing station close by. Kofi

(He looks at both hands and rubs them vigorously in his school shorts, picks his food from Hajia and starts eating without washing his hands. There is no time to wash hands as the

bell will soon go for break over.)

Rose (Walks onto the stage towards the boys and confronts her brother.)

Rose Eh Kofi! I was observing you. You did not wash your hands before eating.

Kofi Aah! Rose paa, what are you talking about? Must we always wash our hands before eating?

Rose

Of course, You will get sick otherwise. Always wash your hands with soap under running water before eating and after defecating. Besides you have no excuse as you have a Veronica bucket right here. Stephen washed his hands, why can’t you?

Kofi Hey Rose, stop spoiling my appetite.

Rose

Mummy will definitely hear about this when we get home. If your stomach starts hurting don't blame anybody.

Kofi Mind your own business, you can tell anybody you like, I don't care.

(Rose walks off the stage)




Stephen You should listen to your sister.

Kofi Hey, my friend, don’t you start. Just let me enjoy my food. (The bell goes for break over, they both hurriedly finish their food, wash their hands and rush off the stage




Scene 2 Setting: Both boys use the toilet after school. There is a handwashing station close to

the school toilet. At Rise: Stephen has just come out of the toilet and is washing his hands at the

handwashing station. As Stephen comes out of the toilet, Kofi goes in. Shortly Kofi comes out of the toilet and he walks past the handwashing station.

Stephen

Kofi, my friend, wash your hands! Why are you ignoring such an easy thing? The station is right here. Do you want to get sick? Did you learn nothing from what your sister said this morning?

Kofi What’s the point, look at my hands, do they look dirty to you? Anyway she said I should wash my hands before I eat. I am not going to eat; we are going to play some football before we go home. I have no time. Come on let’s go play some football.

Stephen You should always wash your hands under running water with soap before you eat AND after you defecate.

Kofi So now I have to wash my hands for two reasons, humph. This is not my habit.

Stephen Your naked eyes cannot see the germs that your hands pick as you use the toilet. Washing your hands this safe way clears your hands of the disease causing germs. You have to change your habit before you fall sick one of these days.

(They both walk of the stage, Stephen is shaking his head, Kofi is looking annoyed)




Scene 3 Setting: Outside, in front of house, one chair, one mat on ground, one small table

with plate of food on it appropriate for a 4-year old, Tippy Tap visible, Maa Lucy sitting on mat, with food next to her.

At Rise: Maa Lucy is sitting and looking through the newspapers. Rose, her

daughter walks in and joins her.

Rose Maa, what are you reading?

Maa Lucy The newspaper. It says “Corolla” breaks in Cape Coast.

Rose (looks at her mother with a questioning face) What Maa? Corolla is doing what?

Maa Lucy (speaking very loudly and distinctly)

Corolla? I said… Cholera…strikes in Cape Coast again

(Both start laughing at the misunderstanding, as they are laughing, Kwame a young child of 4, Maa Lucy’s youngest child comes in to pick up the plate of food on the table near Maa

Lucy. Maa Lucy stops him.)

Maa Lucy Kwame, come we must make sure you wash your hands before you start eating.

(They move to the household Tippy Tap to wash the child’s hands and return to the table

while Rose continues talking)

Rose Maa, where is Kofi? I haven’t seen him today.

Maa Lucy Kofi is sick. He has a very bad diarrhoea. He is going to miss school, but I must keep him home for now. He is sleeping just now.

Rose Maa, I think I know the cause. Two days ago, I caught him in school, two times, not washing his hands. He was just starting to eat and he refused to wash his hands. The handwashing bucket was just right there. I told him to wash his hands and he told me to mind my own business. Then later that same day, he used the toilet, came out and walked right past the handwashing station that we put in the school to make it easy to wash hands with soap. He walked right past it!!!!




Maa Lucy Did you say something again to him, to remind him? He knows he should wash his hands under running water with soap. He learns this at home and at school. We know our commitment to keeping our family healthy.

Rose I tried, but when I warned him, he shouted on me. Serves him right for not listening to me.

Maa Lucy Well, I think he might listen now and all of us mothers would do well to wash our own hands under running water with soap and remind all of our children to do so as well.

(They both exit)




Scene 4 Setting: Outside. At Rise: Kofi and Stephen walk onto the stage from different directions. They meet.

Kofi

(Exclaiming) Eh! Stephen, is that you? Do you know what happened to me?

Stephen What? I knew something wasn’t good. You haven’t been in school for two days. You missed the maths test!!

Kofi Oh, I was so sick. I had such bad diarrhoea. I felt I was going to die oo. The way I have suffered hmmm. My stomach. The way I have gone to toilet paaa hmmm. I will never forget.

Stephen

You should have listened to your sister. Or you should have done what I do, wash my hands under running water with soap every time I eat or use the toilet. Especially as it is so easy to wash your hands at a handwashing station. I haven’t been sick all year. I haven’t had diarrhoea all year. And my Mom always reminds me to wash my hands at home.

Kofi

My Mother always tells me the same thing, but I never listen. Now I am going to be a handwashing Ambassador, so I don’t get so sick again and so my friends don’t get sick either.

Stephen

Me too, I want to be an ambassador with you.

Kofi and Stephen (singing and dancing together)

“Wash your hands with soap under running water before eating and after defecating” oh yeah, wash your hands with soap under running water (Kofi only) before eating (Stephen only) after defecating

(They keep singing as they move off stage)

Narrator “For a healthy family, it’s good to know our responsibilities: Wash your hands with soap under running water before eating and after defecating”

THE END




10. TALK SHOW GUIDE: Handwashing with Soap Under

Running Water Before Eating and After Defecating




What is a Talk Show?

The Talk Show is a live conversation between a Host and

a Resource person (s) with the aim of educating the

community on a topic of interest. The discussion is led by

the Host, who ask questions from a carefully prepared

guide to which the expert(s) provide answers. It is

possible for the public to tune in and ask questions or

make contributions to clarify issues and also share their

experiences concerning the issue being discussed.

The Talk Show can be held in the studio of a community radio station or at the Community

Information Centre. The important thing is that it is broadcast so that a wider audience can

listen in.

What is the purpose of a Talk Show? A talk show allows a wide audience and many community members to listen in to a

discussion on a particular topic. The audience can also participate in the discussion by asking

questions to stimulate interest and deepen understanding of the topic being discussed.

What you need to provide the Talk Show Host and Resource persons?

Fact Sheet on Handwashing with Soap

Steps for Handwashing with Soap Under Running Water

Steps to Building a Tippy Tap – a Simple Handwashing Station




How do you organize and carry out a Talk Show?

STEPS:

Step

1 Arrange with the Talk Show Host: Make prior

appointment with the Community Radio Host to

discuss the purpose of the discussion, who will be

involved and when it can be done.

Step

2 Provide the Host Background Information:

Provide Host a copy of the Fact sheet on Handwashing

and highlight the questions for discussion [see

samples provided].

Step

3 Meet with the Resource Person(s): Meet with the

resource person(s) and give him/her a copy of the

Factsheet on Handwashing. Discuss the key issues

which have to be highlighted in the show. Also, inform

them of the date and time so that they can prepare

adequately.

Step

4 Alert the audience: Once you have completed all

arrangements for the Talk Show, spread the word

among community people so that they can listen in.

Step

5 Carry out Talk Show: On the day of the Talk Show,

be punctual and make sure resource persons also

arrive early enough. Remind them to keep their

responses short and simple so that the audience can

remember. Use the sample Discussion Questions to

lead the session.

Provide information to community on:

Where to get further information in the community

Asking local community-based volunteer

questions or advice on handwashing with soap

Benefits of joining a community hygiene

discussion group

Remind host to end conversation by emphasizing the

Key Promise and message:

“For a healthy family. It’s good to know our

responsibilities: Wash your hands with soap

under running water before eating and after

defecating”.

If you think it will be

useful, bring a sample

Tippy Tap for the Host

and other Resource

People to see so that

they can effectively talk

about it.

Read the Fact sheet and

review the Steps, so you

are conversant with the

issues for discussion.

You may add relevant or

practical examples for

emphasis.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is handwashing?

2. Why is handwashing

important?

3. When should we wash

our hands?

4. What is needed for

handwashing?

5. What is the proper

way to wash hands?

6. What happens when

we don’t wash our

hands?

7. What should be the

individual or collective

responsibility?




11. ROLE-PLAY: Handwashing with Soap Under Running

Water Before Eating




Scenario: Proper handwashing before eating keeps the whole family healthy

Materials Needed: Water, container for fetching water, bowl, soap, and 2 kitchen stools.

Scenario Key Focus Issues:

Wash hands properly before eating to keep from getting sick

It must be done with soap under running water to clear hands of all germs

Having a handwashing station close to eating area can make it easy

Amina just arrived from the city to visit her sick mother Mma Sadia. After preparing the evening

meal for the rest of the family, they sit down to eat. Only Fati, Amina’s younger sister gets up

to wash her hands. Amina is angry with the rest of her family. She asks Fati to explain why she

is washing her hands hoping that the rest will learn too. Fati explains that she must wash her

hands with soap under running water before she eats or else she will be eating all the germs on

her hands with the food that will make her fall sick. Amina is happy that her little sister Fati is

so smart and cares about her health. Amina doesn’t understand why the handwashing station

is so close to where they eat yet the whole family is not making it a habit to wash their hands

before eating.

Discussion Points:

How common is handwashing before eating? Is it done always with soap?

How about under running water?

How easy is it to wash hands with soap under running water before eating?

How easy is it to go through the proper handwashing steps?

What steps will we take to make handwashing with soap under running water before eating

a habit for the whole family? How can we maintain the habit?

How can we commit to creating a handwashing station with soap and water close to where

you eat?




12. ROLE PLAY: Handwashing with Soap Under Running

Water After Defecating




Scenario: Handwashing is habit forming

Materials Needed: 2 chairs, handwashing station or Tippy Tap if possible.


Always wash hands properly after defecating

It must be done with soap under running water to clear hands of germs

To be effective handwashing must be a habit

Create a handwashing station close to latrine to make it easy to wash hands

Auntie Mansa calls her daughter Ewura Ama and enquires what is taking her so long. Ewura Ama

responds that she had gone to use the latrine and she sits on the chair next to her mother. “Have

you washed your hands after using the toilet” her mother asked her. “Yes Maa”, she responded.

“With soap” her mother inquired. “There is no soap by the Tippy Tap so I only washed with

water”. Auntie Mansa is angry, “You better go grab one of the leftover soap we keep for

handwashing for the Tippy Tap and wash your hands again before I smack your face. How many

times do I have to tell you that water alone is not enough to clear your hands of germs? This will

ensure that any germs that our hands pick up, including faecal matter that our eyes can’t see are

washed off. That is why the Tippy Tap is kept so close to the toilet, to make it easy to wash our

hands right after using the toilet. We must make it a habit. We all have to remember to do this

always to keep the family healthy” Auntie Mansa added.

Discussion Points 1

How easy is it for you to wash your hands after defecating? Is it done always with soap under running water?

Do we have a handwashing facility or station? Do we have one close to the toilet? If yes, is soap and water always available? If not what will it take to create a station close to the toilet?

How easy is it to go through the proper handwashing steps? How can one make handwashing with soap under running water after defecating a habit for

the whole family? How can we sustain the practice? Who should be responsible for ensuring the up-keep of the habit?




13. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Handwashing with Soap Under

Running Water




Story Trigger: Clean hands for dinner

Akua was waiting impatiently for her food. She had done all chores that Saturday morning and

even filled the water barrel. She was really hungry and it seemed her mother was intentionally

delaying the food. Akua sat restlessly with an angry frown on her face. Dada Kojo, her father

walked in and also took his seat. He saw the frown on his daughter’s face and commented,

“Somebody here is extremely hungry”, and he teased her. His wife responded from the kitchen,

“Hmm, she says she is so hungry she can’t wait”. Akua could not stand all the jokes, all she wanted

was her food. Then at long last, her mother brought the food. The bowl of banku and okro soup

looked like the best thing on earth at that moment to Akua. She stretched out her hand to take

the first bite and suddenly stopped with her hand midway and with disappointment in her voice,

she cried out, “Aaah!!!”. Her parents looked towards her direction. Her father quickly asked “Is

something wrong?”, and her mother also followed, “Did the soup pour on you?”. Akua responded,

“No, I just remembered that I have not washed my hands with soap and water yet”. “That’s my

girl, I’m glad you now remember to always wash your hands with soap under running water

before eating” Dada Kojo commented. His wife turned and looked at him and said, “You better

wash your hands too before I bring your food”. “The whole family should make handwashing

before eating a habit to stay healthy” she added.

Prompting Questions


Why do you think this is the situation in your community?

To what extent is this common among most members of the community?





14. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Handwashing with Soap Under

Running Water


Users: Environmental Health Officers, Community Development Officers, Health

Promotion Officers, Community Health Volunteers, Community Health

Nurses, Natural Leaders, Teachers, SHEP Coordinators, other WASH and

Health Practitioners.


Story Trigger: African germs don’t kill

Mr. Manu and his friend Kweku Atta have just arrived at the ‘Don’t Mind Your Wife’ chop bar.

They take a seat and place their order - fufu and goat soup with tuna served in one big

earthenware bowl. They also order a tot each of ‘Atinka bitters’. The drinks came first and Mr.

Manu quickly drinks down his tot. He then excuses himself. “Kweku, let me go and empty the

stomach for the feast ahead”. With that, he left to the provisional washroom behind the bar.

He returned about 5 minutes later, took his seat and stretched. As if by design, the waitress

brought the big bowl of fufu and placed it in front of them and pointed to the handwashing

facility close by for customers. Mr. Manu got up washed his hands with soap, then sat down

and took his first bite. Kweku Atta while he was waiting for Mr. Manu noticed a handwashing

poster on one of the walls of the bar. As he looked at the poster, he said to himself “Who will

have time to wash hands when food is waiting”. He looked at his friend and added “African

germs don’t kill” and simply started eating with his unwashed hands.

Prompting Questions








15. HOME/SCHOOL VISIT CHECKLIST: Wash Hands with Soap Under Running Water Before Eating and After Defecating




District

Area Council

Community

Family name/size/contact No. ……………………………………../……………/…………..…………………………..

Ask the following questions and tick or specify as applicable

Household Activity Tick as applicable

Always Sometimes Never

1. How often do you wash your hands? (Observe as well)

2. At what times (When) do you wash your hands?

a. Before eating

b. After defecating

c. Specify other:

3. With what do you wash your hands?

a. Only water

b. Water and soap

c. Other material - Specify:

4. Where do you wash your hands?

a. At a handwashing station close to the toilet

b. At a handwashing station close to the kitchen

c. Specify other location:

5. How do you dry your hands after washing them?

a. Shakes hands to air dry

b. Wipe with personal napkin or piece of cloth

c. Wipe with communal towel or napkin

d. Wipe in clothes

6. Who washes/supervises children’s handwashing

Mother Caregiver Fathers Other Specify:

7. Demonstrate how you wash your hands. (Observe and

tick all steps followed)

Wet hands and apply soap Rub palms together

Wash between: Finger nails Fingers, around thumbs

Wash back of hands Wash around wrists

Rinse hands: under running or poured water In a bowl

with water Communal bowl

For a healthy family, it’s good to know our responsibilities: Build, use and maintain an improved latrine. Wash your hands with soap under running water before eating and after defecating. Treat, store and fetch your drinking water safely


List of Materials

1. FACT SHEET: Building an Improved Household Latrine ............................................................................ 1

2. HOW TO Build an Improved Latrine ......................................................................................................... 2

3. INSTRUCTIONS: Build an Improved Household Latrine ............................................................................ 3

4. RADIO SPOT: Build an Improved Household Latrine ................................................................................ 4

5. DRAMA SCRIPT: Improved Household Toilets .......................................................................................... 5

6. ROLE PLAY: Build an Improved Household Latrine ................................................................................. 13

7. ROLE PLAY: Build an Improved Household Latrine ................................................................................. 14

8. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Build an Improved Household Latrine ............................................................ 15

9. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Build an Improved Household Latrine ............................................................ 16

10. HOME VISIT CHECKLIST: Building a latrine ......................................................................................... 17

11. FACT SHEET: Properly Using and Maintaining a Latrine ..................................................................... 18

12. HOW TO Use and Maintain Your Latrine ........................................................................................... 19

13. FACT SHEET: Safely Disposing of Children’s Faeces ............................................................................ 20

14. HOW TO Safely dispose of your child’s faeces ................................................................................... 21

15. INSTRUCTIONS: Safe Disposal of Child’s Faeces ................................................................................. 22

16. RADIO SPOT: Use and Maintain Your Household Latrine ................................................................... 23

17. RADIO SPOT: Safely Throw Your Child’s Faeces into the Household Latrine ...................................... 24

18. DRAMA SCRIPT: Use and Maintain A Latrine ..................................................................................... 25

19. ROLE PLAY: Use a Latrine Properly .................................................................................................... 29

20. ROLE PLAY: Maintain Your Latrine Properly ...................................................................................... 30

21. ROLE PLAY: Safely Dispose of Child’s Faeces in the Latrine ................................................................ 31

22. ROLE PLAY: Safely Dispose of Child’s Faeces in the Latrine ................................................................ 32

23. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Use an Improved Household Latrine Properly ........................................... 33

24. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Maintain an Improved Household Latrine Properly ................................... 34

25. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Safely Dispose of a Child’s Faeces ............................................................. 35

26. HOME VISIT CHECKLIST: Latrine Use, Maintenance and Managing Children’s Faeces ....................... 36


Sanitation - P a g e | 1


1. FACT SHEET: Building an Improved Household Latrine




WHAT IS AN IMPROVED HOUSEHOLD LATRINE? An improved household latrine is a safe and

hygienic way to dispose of human faeces. It

consists of a pit dug in the ground, a slab and

a superstructure roofed and fitted with a

door.

It must:

Eliminate odour nuisance.

Be easy to use and maintain.

Keep the interior dark for fly control.

Keep out rodent and reptiles. Make good use of appropriate, available,

local building materials.

WHY IS AN IMPROVED HOUSEHOLD LATRINE

IMPORTANT?

An improved household latrine eliminates open defecation reducing the spread of germs that cause diarrhoea. HOW SHOULD AN IMPROVED HOUSEHOLD LATRINE BE BUILT? An improved household latrine should be simple, affordable, acceptable, safe and sustainable. Location Latrines should be sited downstream and built a minimum distance of 90 feet from the nearest water source and 18 feet from the house so that it does not contaminate a water source and is easy to reach at night and in bad weather. It should face the prevailing wind. Pit (sub-structure) The pit is the below ground part of the latrine. It should be lined to prevent pit collapse,

especially in locations where the soil is unstable. Pit lining can be done with a wide variety of materials which include concrete blocks, bricks, culverts, perforated old oil drums, bamboos, baskets, old lorry tires, rot-resistant timber, or wood treated with wood preservatives. Slab Slabs can be made of local materials or a concrete slab. They should be suitable for children and adults and have a cover for the latrine hole, depending on the type. Above Ground Building (Super-structure) The above ground building should be solid and can be built of local materials such as mud, bamboo, wood and/or palm fronds. It should have a door that can be latched from the inside and is easily accessible to children and elderly. The roof should prevent rain and keep out light to discourage flies. Vent Pipe Vent pipes should fit and be at least a few inches higher than the roof of the latrine to carry out odour and prevent flies. Costs Available local building materials can be used for the construction to keep the costs affordable. Technical Support Building an improved household latrine requires technical support during siting, lining and construction of the sub-structure. Environmental Health Officers can provide guidance on technical assistance and financing options available.




2. HOW TO Build an Improved Latrine

It is important to have your own household latrine and stop defecating in the open to reduce the spread of diarrhoeal diseases. Ask your local Environmental Health Officer for help.

1. Select an appropriate

place and draw out the

latrine

2. Dig a pit and line it if needed

3. Cast or buy a slab

4. Place the slab

securely over the pit

5. Build the latrine structure

6. Add the roof, a door

and vent pipe

7. Install a handwashing

facility




3. INSTRUCTIONS: Build an Improved Household Latrine




What is an Improved Household Latrine? An improved household latrine provides a safe and hygienic way to separate human excreta from human contact for a household. An improved household latrine consists of three parts: substructure (pit), slab and superstructure. It should: (1) prevent flies from moving in and out of the latrine; (2) offer the user privacy, convenience and dignity; (3) eliminate odour nuisance; and (4) be easy to use and maintain.

How can you use these instructions for a demonstration? Steps:

Welcome the group and explain the purpose of the session: the importance of having a household latrine, the benefits of having a household latrine, and the steps to building a latrine.

Ask participants: o Why is it important to have a household latrine? o What are the benefits of an improved latrine? o What is needed to build a latrine? o What challenges do you see with trying to build

your own latrine? o How can these challenges be overcome?

Demonstrate or show the improved latrine, talking about or pointing out each important feature of it.

Ask questions to reinforce new knowledge as you go along.

Ask them if they have any questions about building an improved latrine.

If in your plan, distribute the “How to Build an Improved Latrine” material.

Ask for their commitment to the points below. 1. Talk to other family members about building a latrine. 2. Plan the resources needed to build a household latrine. 3. Seek technical support from Environmental Health Officers and Community Health Volunteers. 4. Build an improved household latrine for their family.

Preparation

Review and refer to “Build an

Improved Latrine Fact

Sheet”, as needed.


with all provisions: supplies

for building, etc.

If you plan to distribute “How

to Build an Improved

Latrine” leaflet, carry needed

copies with you.

If you have sample latrines in

the community, consider

conducting the session

nearby so that you can show

these latrines.




4. RADIO SPOT: Build an Improved Household Latrine Time Sound Audio

00.00– 00.03 00.03 – 00.10 00.11 – 00.13 00.14 – 00.46 00.16 – 00.32 00.47 – 00.55 00.48 – 00.52

Key Promise Music Sound of gong-gong beating Sound to highlight each point. Key Promise Music

Key Message Voice: For a healthy family, it’s

good to know our responsibilities: Build, Use and

Maintain an improved household latrine.

Woman

Yes, a toilet in every house means:

You will stop open defaecation You will reduce diarrhoeal diseases. You will avoid snake bites and other dangers

in the bush You will avoid embarrassment when visitors

ask to use the toilet You will have security for your wives,

daughters, and entire family. You will guarantee the dignity of your whole

family

The easy part, an improved household latrine can

be constructed with a variety of local materials

such as old drums, bamboo, logs, old lorry tires

etc.

Talk to your Environmental Health Officers,

Community Health Volunteers and the Natural

leaders for help in building your toilet.

Key Message Voice: For a healthy family, it’s

good to know our responsibilities: Build, Use and

Maintain an improved household latrine.

This message is brought to you by Ghana Health

Service and USAID.




5. DRAMA SCRIPT: Improved Household Toilets Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



HOUSEHOLD TOILETS

A PLAY IN TWO ACTS

CAST OF CHARACTERS

Kwesi: Proud owner of a household toilet

Maame Ama: Kwesi's wife

Egya Kwame: Kwesi's Neighbour

Sister Abena: Egya Kwame's wife

Old Lady: Sister Abena's mother

Scene

Kwesi's house

Time

Present time




Act 1

Scene 1

Setting Kwesi's house. A simple set up with three chairs.

At Rise Maame Ama is sitting on one of the chairs, repairing a tear in a dress with a

thread and needle.

Narrator

For a healthy family, it is good to know our responsibilities: Build, use and maintain an

improved household latrine properly.

Egya Kwame

(Walks on stage)

Agoo!!

(Walks towards Maame Ama)

Maame Ama, where is your husband? I have come to see him.

Maame Ama

Welcome Egya Kwame. Please have a seat,

(See pulls a seat for him)

He will join you in a few minutes.

(Egya Kwame sits)

Egya Kwame

How are the children doing? It has been a while since I last saw Yaa, your eldest daughter.

Maame Ama

They are doing well, Yaa has gone to school in Koforidua. The younger ones are in the room

preparing to sleep.

(Kweku walks in shaking the water off his hands)




Kweku

You are welcome to my humble home.

(He sits down)

Sorry about the delay, I was in the toilet. You are welcome once again. Have you been given

water?

Egya Kwame

Ooh, thank you. I'm fine.

(They shake hands)

Our elders say 'we know, but we still ask'. What brings you here this evening?

Egya Kwame

Hmmm, my friend, I have a big problem on my hands and for now it is only you who can

save me from embarrassment.

Kweku

(Anxious)

What is it, how can I help?

Egya Kwame

(Hesitates a bit. Looks around to see if somebody else is there)

My in-law has come to visit us, and we can’t take her to the community toilet this evening.

You know the place is dark at this time.

Kweku

But how can I help. Do you need to borrow my torchlight?

Egya Kwame

Oh no, no, no. It’s not that. Actually

(He is almost stammering now)

I want to see if my wife can bring her to use your toilet.

Kweku

Oh I see. Let me ask my wife. You know she is the one who maintains the toilet.




Egya Kweku

(Anxiously)

No, no, no!!1. Please, let this remain between us.

Kweku

OK. I will see what I can do. Go and bring her.

Egya Kwesi

Thank you, thank you, my friend.

(Egya Kwesi exits)

Kweku

(Calls out loudly)

Ama, Ama

Maame Ama

Yes, I’m coming oo.

(She hurries in)

Kweku

Can you imagine what Egya Kwesi wanted?

Maame Ama

No, unless you tell me.

Kweku

He wants to bring his in-law to use our toilet. Can you imagine that?




Maame Ama

(Sighs)

I knew this would happen one day. When you started building the toilet, he was

complaining. I remember he said, the wind will carry the smell of toilet to my compound.”

(She says this in a very dramatic manner)

Today look at him.

Kweku

Anyway, I told them to come, so prepare for them.

Maame Ama

My husband, I hear. It’s not a problem.

(They both exit)




Scene 2

Setting Kwesi’s house. A simple set up with three plastic chairs.

At Rise Maame Ama is sitting on one of the plastic chairs, Sister Abena is at the door.

Sister Abena

(Shouting out loudly)

Agoo, agoo!!!

Maame Ama

Yes, I'm coming.

(She walks to meet the visitors)

Sister Abena

Good evening my sister.

Maame Ama

Good evening Sister Abena, is this your mother?

(Looking at the older woman)

You look so much like her.

(She bows to the older woman)

Welcome Maa.

(Addressing the older woman)

Older Woman

Thank you my daughter.




Maame Ama

Maa please come with me, my husband has already spoken to me.

(She leads the older woman out)

Sister Abena

(Talking to herself)

Hmmm what an embarrassment. Going to beg to use a toilet ah!

(She shakes her head in sorrow)

(Maame Ama walks back on stage to Sister Abena)

Sister Abena

Eh, my sister, I envy you ooo. Having a toilet in the house is a blessings oo!

Maame Ama

We thank God. That is really true. Having a toilet at home is very good. It is safe and

convenient. I don't worry about flies and smell, because I keep it neat always. Since the

toilet was completed, my last born no longer has the frequent episodes of diarrhoea.

Sister Abena

I regret I did not push my husband to also build one when you were building yours.

Maame Ama

My sister

(Places her hands on Sister Abena’s shoulder)

It’s never too late, you and your husband can build one too.

(Older woman walks back on stage shaking the water off her hands).




Older woman

There you are my daughter. Thanks for letting me use your toilet. There is indeed a woman

in the house.

(Turns to her daughter, with a stern look)

Abena, let’s go.

Sister Abena

Yes, Maa.

(Turns to her friend)

I thank you so much. I am going to start talking to my husband about building a toilet

immediately. Good night.

(They both walks off the stage)

Maame Ama

(Turns to face audience)

You see how a simple thing like a toilet in the house can make a difference? If you don't

have one yet quickly arrange to build one.

(Kwesi walks on stage and stands beside Maame Ama and holds her hand)

Kwesi

(Also speaking to the audience)

The Community Health volunteers, Environmental Health Officers and natural leaders are

there to offer us help. Talk to any one of them today and get your household latrine

constructed.

Narrator

For a healthy family, it is good to know our responsibilities: Build, use and maintain an

improved household latrine properly.

THE END




6. ROLE PLAY: Build an Improved Household Latrine Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



Scenario: Proud owner of an improved household latrine

Materials Needed: Two chairs


Having your own latrine increases pride in the household

Building a latrine is affordable

Having your own latrine reduces embarrassment and dangers of defecating in the bush

Memuna visits her friend Asana in a nearby village to buy salted fish for the next market day.

During the course of their discussions, Memuna asks Asana to show her a bush nearby where

she can defecate. Asana tells her friend she now owns and uses an improved household

latrine, just behind her house. Upon her return, Memuna ask how much it cost. Asana

indicates she did not spend much to complete their household latrine because she used locally

available materials. She advised Memuna to see the Natural leaders for information and

advice.

Asana tells her friend how safe and proud she is among other women in her village just

knowing that she has a toilet at her convenience and privacy. Memuna recounted how the

village youth leader nearly ran into her when she was defecating in the bush. She had to hide

behind some trees to avoid the embarrassment. Memuna swears she will encourage her

husband to immediately start constructing their household latrine when she gets back home.

Discussion Points

How much does it cost to own a household latrine?

How many household toilets are in the community? Why do people not have toilets at

home? What can be done about the situation to increase the number of household toilets

in the community?

What additional information and help would people need to build their own toilets? Who

can provide that information?

How can one commit to build an improved household latrine?




7. ROLE PLAY: Build an Improved Household Latrine Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



Scenario: Improved Household Latrines keeps us safe.

Materials Needed: None


An improved household latrine provides safety from diarrhoeal diseases and other health hazards.

Everyone can own a latrine by using local materials.

Bismark finds his friend Musah panting heavily standing by the side of the road. He is

barefooted. Bismark inquires why his friend is panting and looking very much like someone

who is running away from some trouble. He teases his friend that he is being chased by a

jealous boyfriend. Musah recovers his breath and scolds his friend for playing with serious

matters. Musah narrates his experience: he had gone into the bush to defecate. As he squats

to defecate, some noise in the bush alarmed him about the presence of an animal. He turns

just in time to see a huge snake staring him in the face. He takes to his heels without looking

back. In the process, he lost his sandals and suffered some cuts and bruises.

Bismark reminds Musah that he did not take the call to build household latrine seriously and

remarks that latrine are not only safe but also affordable. Even Maame Lucy, the poor widow

in their community owns a latrine now, so Musah has no excuse for not building one.

Discussion Points

Why is it good to have an improved household latrine?

How can each of us own one?

How can we commit to building an improved household latrine?




8. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Build an Improved Household Latrine Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



Story Trigger: Improved household latrines are affordable

It has been a month since the two best friends Mark and Stephen met at the local palm

wine base. They as usual shared a few calabashes full of fresh palm wine and Mark asked,

“Tell me, what is new?” Stephen said to his friend, “I have constructed a beautiful

improved household latrine.” “I guess you won a lottery because there is no way you could

do that; you do not have the money.” said Mark. Stephen explained how Yaw Manu, the

Community Natural leader assisted him to put one up with available local materials. “The

old drums my father used to brew local gin those days, was used for lining the pit since our

soil is not stable.” “There is a lot of bamboo in your village and it can be used to construct

most parts of your latrine, so you might end up spending less than me.” Stephen added

that all the Environmental Health Officers are skilled to give everyone technical support.

Mark vowed to immediately contact John, the Environmental Health Officer stationed at

the Area Council office in their village for technical support. “I will ensure my improved

household latrine is completed before the yam festival in my village in two weeks,” said

Mark.

Prompting Questions








9. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Build an Improved Household Latrine Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



Story Trigger: The chief’s son died practicing open defaecation

The entire Galikope community was still in a state of shock days after the burial of the only

son of their chief. How he died was still a shock, bitten by a poisonous snake when he was

defecating in the bush. He always failed to use the only latrine in the entire community, a

communal latrine which always gave any user the most “permanent perfume” and was home

to all sort of rodents and insects. There was no Cleaner or Attendant, as nobody was willing

to take up that huge task. The chief together with his elders didn’t hesitate to declare the

community as a “No place for open defaecation” and gave a directive for the youth to

immediately close and pull down the communal latrine. They also issued an ultimatum for all

households to construct improved latrines within the next three months. This was received

with loud applause by the whole community especially the women as other men will no

longer see their nakedness in the bush when they go out to defecate. They were equally

excited about the privacy, convenience, safety and dignity that the household latrines will

bring. Davi Abla, who stays close to the communal latrine exclaimed, “I can now breathe well

and sleep soundly”

Prompting Questions








10. HOME VISIT CHECKLIST: Building a latrine




District

Area Council

Community

Family name/size/contact No. …………………………../…………/……………………

Stage of latrine Sub structure Slab Super-structure Completed

Ask the following questions and tick as applicable depending on stage of the latrine

Household Activity

Sub structure (Pit)

1. What shape is the pit? Round Rectangular

2. Is the pit between 5 feet and 8 feet in depth? Yes No

3. What is the nature of the soil? Loose Water logged Stable Rocky Clayey

4. Is the pit lined? Yes No If yes with what material?..................................

Slab

5. Is there an improved squat slab? Yes No

6. What material is the slab made of?

Wood Wood and mud Concrete Concrete and Iron Rods Other:…………………………..

7. Does the squat hole have a cover? Yes No

8. Does air freely pass through the cover into the pit? Yes No

9. Does the slab provide safety? Yes No

Superstructure

10. What is the super-structure wall made of?

Brick and cement Metal sheets Palm mat Mud Bamboo Thatch Wood

Others……………….

11. What material is the door made of? Metal sheet Bamboo Wood Others…………

12. Can the door be bolted or locked? (Especially from the inside)? Yes No

13. What is the roof made of?

Wood Iron Roofing sheet Thatch Plastic Bamboo Others……………………………

14. Does the roof provide at least minimal cover from the rain and sun? Yes No

15. Is there a vent pipe? Yes No

16. Is the vent pipe covered with a net? Yes No

17. Does the super-structure provide safety? Yes No

18. Does the super-structure provide privacy? Yes No




11. FACT SHEET: Proper Use and Maintenance of a Latrine Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



WHAT IS PROPER USE AND MAINTENANCE

OF A LATRINE?

Proper use and maintenance of a latrine

means to keep it clean, odourless, free of flies

and to ensure that is always repaired, working

well and safe to use.

WHY USE AND MAINTAIN THE LATRINE

PROPERLY?

A household latrine is one of the best investment any family can make considering its convenience, safety, privacy and health benefits. If it is properly used and maintained, it will keep families healthier, reduce diarrhoeal diseases and last until the pit is full. HOW SHOULD THE LATRINE BE USED? To use a latrine effectively, a latrine owner should: 1. Confine all household faeces, including

children and babies, to their latrine. 2. Position themselves well on the squat

hole to avoid messing the floor with urine and faeces and teach their children and other family members how to use it.

3. Throw cleansing material into the squat hole.

4. Use a latrine hole cover as appropriate. 5. Throw wood ash into the pit from time to

time to reduce odour.

6. Sweep it daily. 7. Clean it frequently

with soap and water and any time it is soiled with urine and/or faeces.

8. Place a handwashing facility near the latrine for easy handwashing after defecation

HOW SHOULD THE LATRINE BE MAINTAINED? To extend the lifespan of a latrine and keep it safe for use by the entire household, maintain the latrine as follows: 1. Keep the area around the latrine free

from weeds and garbage. 2. Make sure the pathway to the latrine is

clear to make it safe to use at all times. 3. Check the latrine regularly to be sure it is

safe to use and works properly:

Examine the fly proof netting on top of the vent pipe and replace it when torn to prevent flies that enter the latrine from coming out.

Replace torn fly proof netting on top of latrine doors immediately to prevent flies from entering the latrine or coming out of it.

Constantly inspect the latrine building for cracks and repair them to keep off dangerous reptiles and rodents from latrine.

Cut grown trees around the latrine, especially the branches on the latrine roof to improve ventilation.

Pour a little water down the vent pipe occasionally to remove cobwebs and dirt.

Check for and repair leakages between vent pipe, slab and roof.

4. Dig a new pit when the old one gets full, move the latrine slab to the new pit and fill the old pit.

Community members can seek advice from Environmental Health Officers, Community Health Volunteers, and other trained persons on how to get the best out of their latrine and maintain it properly.




12. HOW TO Use and Maintain Your Latrine

It is important to use and maintain your latrine properly because it reduces the spread of diarrheal diseases and keeps your family healthy.

Sweep latrine daily

Keep the latrine hole

covered as appropriate

Clean your latrine with

soap and water regularly

to remove faeces and

urine stains

Throw all paper and wiping

material into the pit

Throw ash into your

latrine to reduce odour

Make sure the pathway to the

latrine is clear

Keep the area around your

latrine free of weeds and

refuse

Check your latrine regularly,

and timely fix any needed

repairs

Dig a new pit when your latrine gets full,

move the slab to the new pit, and fill in

the old pit




13. FACT SHEET: Safely Disposing of Children’s Faeces Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



WHAT IS “SAFE DISPOSAL” OF A CHILD’S FAECES? To safely dispose of a child’s faeces means to throw it in a latrine or bury it immediately. It is essential that mothers should always wash their hands after disposing of the faeces. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SAFELY DISPOSE OF A CHILD’S FAECES? Children’s faeces are as harmful as adults’ faeces. If they are safely disposed of, it can reduce diarrhoeal diseases and make the family, particularly children under five, healthier. HOW SHOULD WE SAFELY DISPOSE OF CHILDREN’S FAECES? The safest way to dispose of a child’s faeces is to help an older child use a latrine. For very young children, a chamber pot can be used and then emptied into a latrine immediately or well-covered until it can be emptied. When a latrine is not available, a child’s faeces can be safely buried. Mothers should always wash their hands with soap under running water after safely disposing off their child’s faeces.

HEALTH IMPACT OF UNSAFE DISPOSAL OF

CHILDREN’S FAECES

There is widespread belief that the faeces

of infants and young children are not

harmful, but this is untrue. There is

evidence that children’s faeces could be

even more harmful than adults’ faeces,

due to higher amounts of diarrhoea and

other germs in children’s faeces than in

adults’ faeces. Children’s faeces should be

treated with the same concern as adults’

faeces

The unsafe disposal of children’s faeces

can be an important source of disease

around the household, increasing the risk

of illness for infants and children under

five.

This can include a higher prevalence of

diarrhoeal diseases, intestinal worms,

malnutrition, and death. Further, stunting,

wasting and worm infestation can reduce

children’s intellectual capacity, which

affects productivity later in life.

Diarrhoeal diseases account for 6.8% of all

child deaths in Ghana (WHO 2015).

Diarrhoea can force households to spend

significant sums on medicine,

transportation, and health facility fees. The

average monthly cost for routine care for

illnesses such as diarrhoea is GH cedi 11.09

(World Bank 2015).




14. HOW TO Safely dispose of your child’s faeces

It is important to quickly and safely dispose of your child’s faeces in the latrine or bury it to reduce the spread of diseases as children’s faeces is

as harmful as adults’ faeces.

Cover the chamber pot with a tight lid, if

you cannot throw it away immediately

Dispose of child’s faeces in

a latrine immediately

Help younger children learn

to use the latrine

Always wash your hands under

running water after disposing of

child’s faeces

Dig a hole and bury the child’s faeces,

if you don’t have a latrine yet

Use a chamber pot




15. INSTRUCTIONS: Safe Disposal of Child’s Faeces Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



What is safe disposal of a child’s faeces? The safest way to dispose of a child’s faeces is to help the child use a latrine. For very young children help them to use a chamber pot and empty the faeces into a latrine in a timely manner. By definition, “safe disposal” is only possible where there is access to a latrine. However, when a latrine is not available, a child’s faeces can be safely buried. In any case, mothers should always wash their hands with soap under running water after safely disposing of their children’s faeces.

How can you use these instructions for a demonstration? Steps:

Welcome the group and explain the purpose of the session, which are the importance of burying

or throwing child’s faeces into the latrine and what to do if you don’t have time to bury or throw

a child’s faeces into the latrine immediately.

Ask participants:

o Why is it important to safely dispose of a child’s faeces?

o What do you normally do to dispose of your child’s

faeces?

o How should you safely dispose of a child’s faeces?

Using the Fact Sheet go through each picture and ask them

what they see and what it means.

Ask questions to reinforce new knowledge as you go along.

Ask them if they have any questions about disposing off a

child’s faeces.

If in your plan, distribute the How-To Dispose of your Child’s

faeces.

Ask for their commitment to the points below. 5. Obtain a chamber pot with cover.

6. Throw child’s faeces in the latrine.

7. If no latrine, bury child’s faeces.

8. Always wash my hands with soap under running water after

disposing off child’s faeces.

Preparation

Review and refer to “Safely

Dispose of your Child’s

Faeces” Fact Sheet, as

needed.


with all materials.

If you plan to distribute

“How-To Dispose of your

Child’s Feces”, carry needed

copies with you.

If you have sample latrines in

the community, consider

conducting the session

nearby so that you can show

the latrine.




16. RADIO SPOT: Use and Maintain Your Household Latrine

Seconds Sounds Voice

00.0 – 00.03 00.04 – 00.10 00.11 – 00.12 00.13 – 00 00.16 – 00.18 00.26 – 00.28 00.46 – 00.48 00.54 – 00.56 00.57

Key Promise Music Sound effect – door opening Sound effect – running feet Sound effect – sweeping Sound effect – door opening Key Promise Music

Key Promise Voice: For a healthy family, it is good to know our responsibilities: Build, use and maintain an improved household latrine. Mama: Eh! (shock) What is this? Mama: (shouts) Kwesi! Kwame! Boys: Yes, Maa Mama: Is this how you kept the toilet these few days I have been away? What a mess!! Boys: Oh Maa Mama: Come on, hurry up and go tidy up the place. The toilet is a very important place for the family. It should always be kept clean so that it does not smell, breed flies or bring us diseases like cholera or diarrhoea. You should sweep the toilet every day. Put all cleansing materials in the squat hole. Regularly clean with soap and water to remove urine and faeces stains and to reduce odour and flies. Mama: Ah! (with satisfaction) What a clean toilet. Now I can do my thing happily. Boys exclaim “Clean toilet smells good” Key Promise Voice: For a healthy family, it is good to know our responsibilities: Build, use and maintain an improved household latrine. This message is brought to you by Ghana Health Service and USAID.




17. RADIO SPOT: Safely Throw Your Child’s Faeces into the

Household Latrine Seconds Sounds Voice

00.00– 00.03 00.04 – 00.10 00.11 – 00.13 00.14 – 00. 00.44 – 00.46 00.46 – 00.57 00.57 – 00.59 01.00 – 01.07

Key Promise Music Sound effect – footsteps Sound effect – footsteps Key Promise Music

Key Promise Voice: For a healthy family, it is good to know our responsibilities: Build, use and maintain an improved household latrine. Akosua: Yaa, good morning, where are you off to? Yaa: Good morning, my sister. The child went to toilet and I’m throwing it away in the bush behind the house. Akosua: Eii! are you still doing that? I thought we had all stopped open defaecation? Yaa: Aah, but this is only a child’s faeces. Akosua: Faeces are faeces oo. It does not matter whether it is an adult’s or child’s. Both carry germs that the houseflies will carry back to the house to give us cholera or diarrhoea. Yaa: Aah! so what should I do now? I can’t take it back to the house. Akosua: Until you get your latrine, you can dig and bury the faeces. Let’s go do that now. Monologue All faeces are dangerous. Both adults’ and children’s faeces carry germs that can give us diarrhoea or cholera. Let us stop throwing children’s faeces whether in a chamber pot or diaper into the bush, in gutters or refuse dumps. The best place to dispose of faeces is in a latrine or to bury it. Narrator: For a healthy family, it is good to know our responsibilities: Build, use and maintain an improved household latrine. This message is brought to you by Ghana Health Service and USAID.




18. DRAMA SCRIPT: Use and Maintain A Latrine

A PLAY IN ONE ACT




CAST OF CHARACTERS

Adika: Husband of Korkor and father of Afi and Lumo Korkor: Wife of Adika and mother of Afi and Lumo Afi: 10-year-old daughter of Adika and Korkor, older sister

to Lumo Lumo: 4-year-old son of Adika and Korkor, younger brother of

Afi

Serwa: Neighbour and best friend of Korkor, also member of the Village Health Committee

Scene At Adika and Korkor’s compound.

Time

Present day

Materials Needed 3 Chairs, a Mat




Scene 1

Setting: Outdoors at Adika’s compound with both children, Afi and Lumo sitting on a

mat doing school work and playing.

At Rise: Serwa walks in with her scarf drawn over her nose

Narrator “For a healthy family, it’s good to know our responsibilities: Build, use and maintain an improved household latrine.”

Adika Welcome Serwa! How are you this fine day? I will call Korkor for you, she is in the kitchen preparing dinner. Afi, go get your mother so that she can come and see Serwa.

(Afi gets up and goes behind to get her mother)

Adika Please Serwa, are you sick? You have been holding your scarf over your nose since you entered the compound. If you are, please stay away from me, I have to go to the farm every day and I cannot afford to get sick.

(As Adika finishes speaking, he gets up and walks away, Afi returns with her mother by the hand)

Korkor

(As she speaks she is pulling out a chair for Serwa to sit on) What’s this Serwa? Are you sick? Please come sit down, you should not be standing. What is the matter? Is this why you have come to see me? How can I help?

Serwa (Exclaims angrily)

I am not sick, if you would just give me a minute, I could explain, but you haven’t stopped talking since I got here.

Korkor Oh please Serwa, tell me what’s wrong. I can see that you are angry.

Serwa I ‘m not angry, just concerned. I came over here because there is a very bad smell coming from your backyard. I did not know what it was till I got here.




Korkor (Says nothing but looks around the ground, knowing that Serwa as a member of the Health

Committee in the village always visited houses which have health issues.)

Serwa You should call Adika as I am sure what I have to say concerns your husband as well.

(Korkor calls her husband to join them and pulls a chair for him to sit as he enters).

(Adika sits down and orders the kids to go and prepare to go to bed.)

Serwa Adika and Korkor, I think we need to talk. I just passed by your latrine and you need to do something about it. It’s so messy. The fly proof netting on the door is torn. I even looked inside and I saw anal cleansing materials scattered all over the floor, there are urine and faeces stains around the squat hole and the netting on top of the vent pipe is also missing. As for the odour emanating from the toilet, the least said about it the better.

Korkor (Says very quietly as she knows her latrine is not very clean)

Yes, I have learned that I need to sweep it daily and clean it at least once a week with soap and water or whenever there are urine and faeces stains.

Serwa

To reduce or prevent the odour, all the anal cleansing materials must be dropped in the squat hole. Another way to reduce the smell is to drop some ash in the drop hole from time to time.

Adika

I know you are going to get at me now. Don’t worry. I’m going to fix the door and replace the fly proof netting on top of the door and on top of the vent pipe.

Serwa

Yes, that way the flies that enter can’t come out with faeces to contaminate our food. And once you are up there drop some water down the vent pipe to clear it of cobwebs. And in case you get too busy to do it yourself Efo Kojo your next door neighbour is a trained Natural Leader and can help you for close to nothing.

Korkor

Please, can you also cut the bushy branches of the tree close to the latrine to improve the ventilation? This Saturday I’ll let the kids clear the weeds and refuse around the latrine and clear the path to it as well. It will then be safe and secured and we won’t have to worry about snakes or rats.




Serwa Papa Adika you might as well repair the cracks in the walls once you set yourself to work on the latrine. I do see one very good thing that I don’t always see in other households, you have put a handwashing station with soap and water right near your latrine, so that even now I can wash my hands (Serwa proceeds to wash her hands) after touching things talking about your latrines.

Korkor

I am so glad you came, now we can make things right and be sure we stay healthy and don’t bother our neighbours with the bad smell from our latrine.

Adika I promise you that things will be different by the next time you visit us.

Narrator “For a healthy family, it’s good to know our commitment: Build, use and maintain an improved household latrine.”

THE END




19. ROLE PLAY: Use a Latrine Properly Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



Scenario: Mansa the lazy one

Materials Needed: Latrine cleaning materials, set up like a latrine.


Latrine should be well cleaned regularly.

Sweeping and scrubbing with soap and water will help keep it clean.

Disposing of the wiping materials into the pit will reduce the smell.

Throwing ash into the pit can also reduce the smell and flies.

Maame Esi has visited her daughter Mansah. There is a bad smell of faeces (shit) coming from

behind the house. Maame Esi is uncomfortable to ask but she does. Mansah accuses her

husband of not building a proper latrine for the house. He is lazy and can’t do what other men

do. Maame Esi asks if the latrine is full or is damaged. Mansah responds in the negative. Is

sweeping and cleaning done regularly? Mansah responds in the negative. Maame Esi is

surprised at her daughter and rebukes her for being the lazy one. She goes on to educate her

on keeping the latrine safe and user friendly by sweeping it daily, cleaning with soap and water

whenever stained with urine and faeces and dispose of anal cleansing materials into the pit. To

reduce the odour and flies, she asks her to throw ash into the pit from time to time. Maame

Esi is angry and demands that her daughter go out and clean the latrine immediately.

Discussion Points

How do people generally care for their latrines in the community?

What materials do they use in cleaning their latrines and how often do they clean it?

Who normally does the cleaning of the latrine?

What are individual users required to do when they use the toilet?

(Use the right anal cleansing material and drop it in the squat hole, immediately clean any

mess, pour ash to reduce smell, pour water, etc.)




20. ROLE PLAY: Maintain Your Latrine Properly Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



Scenario: Regular maintenance saves major repairs

Materials Needed: Best to perform near a latrine so that the players can use it in the role play.


Latrines need to be maintained regularly to work properly.

There are local artisans who can help with maintenance.

Poorly maintained latrines can increase the risk of the spread of diseases.

Kwame has invited Master Paul the local artisan to do some maintenance works on their

household latrine. Kwame mentions the vent pipe which has cracked close to the base. Master

Paul, is happy to change the vent pipe but before he does, he comments that it is only Kwame

who has ever called on him to fix a fault on his latrine. This is despite the fact the he has

observed that some latrines he built for other households have some visible faults. Kwame

comments that people generally don’t care much about maintenance. He adds that regular

checks for faults on the latrines and fixing them not only saves one the cost of major repairs

but also extends the life span and benefits of the latrine. He is also worried that as others do

not keep their latrines properly, thereby increasing the threat of diarrhoeal diseases in the

whole community. He encouraged Master Paul to enter those houses that have latrines with

faults and try to convince them to have them repaired. Master Paul agrees it is worth trying

and asks to go and begin his work.

Discussion Points

How can you properly maintain your household latrine?

What are the common maintenance issues? What happens when faults on toilets are not

repaired? Are there shops in the community or nearby towns where toilet parts can be

bought? What local materials can be used for repairs?

Where do community members get help and information on latrine maintenance? Are

there Latrine Artisans or Extension workers to help?




21. ROLE PLAY: Safely Dispose of Child’s Faeces in the Latrine Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



Scenario: Pooping in the compound

Materials Needed: Bucket, latrine sample


Children and babies’ faeces carry the same germs as adult’s faeces.

Children and babies’ faeces should be disposed of in the latrine timely.

Where a latrine is not available, children and babies’ faeces should be buried.

Hajia Merri is angry with her eldest daughter who has allowed her little son to defecate on the

floor within the compound. She orders the faeces to be collected quickly and poured into the

household latrine. When that is done, she talks to her daughter about why it is very wrong to

allow the child to defecate on the floor. She mentions that apart from it being messy and an

eyesore, defecating on the floor spread diseases such as cholera, typhoid, dysentery and worm

infestation. Hajia Merri entreats her daughter to buy a chamber pot with cover the next time

she goes to the market. That way she can throw the child’s faeces into the latrine or safely

cover it and dispose of later if that can’t be done immediately. Where a toilet is not available,

one can dig and bury the faeces to prevent flies and domestic animal from having access to it.

Her daughter apologizes and promise never to allow that to happen again.

Discussion Points

Where do little children defecate? Why are some children allowed to defecate on the

floor? Are chamber pots used regularly?

If chamber pots are used, do they have fitting covers? How are little children and babies’

faeces kept until they are disposed of?

Where are little children and babies’ faeces disposed of? Where should it be disposed of?

How frequently are chamber pots emptied when they are used?




22. ROLE PLAY: Safely Dispose of Child’s Faeces in the Latrine Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



Scenario: Using a chamber pot

Materials Needed: Chamber pot, bucket with water.


If you use a chamber pot, dispose of the faeces in the latrine timely.

If you cannot dispose of faeces in a chamber pot immediately, cover it tightly have time to do so.

Children and babies’ faeces carry the same germs as adult’s faeces.

Davi Abla’s baby has just finished defecating in the chamber pot. She has food on the fire and

does not think she has the time to go out and pour the baby’s faeces into the latrine and get

back without burning her food. She quickly pours some water into the chamber pot and pours

the content out through the window. Her husband steps in just at that moment and asks what

she just threw out. He is surprised at her when he finds out. He rebukes her and even though

she tries to explain, he rejects her excuses and goes on to explain why it is important to throw

all, including children’s’ faeces into the latrine promptly or to dig and burry where there is no

latrine.

Discussion Points

How many use chambers pots for their babies? Do they have covers? What are the

challenges with potty training?

Where are babies and little children’s faeces disposed of? How about faeces in used

diapers?

How long are faeces kept in chamber pots before being disposed of? If not immediately

why? Are the faeces in the chamber pots covered before emptied in a latrine or buried?

Why should the chamber pots be covered?

How does having a latrine influence the safe disposal of children’s faeces?




23. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Use an Improved Household

Latrine Properly




Story Trigger: Spotless, Just the Way We like It

Two friends are walking back from the mark et. Adwoa asks her friend if they can go to her

house first, as it is closer, so she can use her latrine. As they get to the house, Adwoa runs to

the latrine, she had needed to go since morning and knew she shouldn’t go out in the bush.

She returns shortly with a frown on her face. “Muni, I am surprised, your latrine is so dirty! I

would have been better waiting until I got home, or worse, going in the bush and you know

our community’s taboo of “No open defecation”. But your latrine, ah, so smelly, so dirty. Why

do you not keep it clean?”. Muni says nothing as now she is embarrassed. She had been

meaning to clean it since last week and hadn’t gotten around to it. Adwoa says, “You know if

you throw the wiping papers in the latrine as you use them and sweep and throw ash into the

hole daily, it already starts to stay clean. Then if you really clean it with soap and water

frequently to remove, the urine and faeces stains, it will be odour free, clean and keep your

entire family healthy.” Muni remains silent as she can tell her friend has more to say. Adwoa

continues, “also if you cover your latrine hole with the netted cover, it keeps it aired out

properly and stops the flies that get in from escaping and carrying germs to your family.”

Muni looks at her friend Adwoa, hugs her and says, “Adwoa, you are always looking out for me

and my family and have the best advice always. Next time you come and need to use our

latrine, I promise, it will be so clean, you will think it was just newly built – it will be spotless,

just the way we like it!”

Prompting Questions








24. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Maintain an Improved

Household Latrine Properly




Story Trigger: From run-down to repaired

James comes home to find his wife and their neighbour staring at their household latrine.

They looked concerned. He had his latrine built six months ago, but the rain and the wind

have been gradually damaging the latrine. The rain has made the weeds grow very quickly

around the latrine. His wife looks at him, “James, we need to repair our latrine. The netting is

ripped, the pipe is cracked and part of the plastering is crumbling. It does us no good to have

a latrine if we don’t maintain it, then it doesn’t work properly and keep our family healthy.”

James looks a bit angry and replies, “But I work on the farm all day, I don’t have time to repair

this latrine.” “Dear James” his wife responds, “We can ask the village mason, you know the

one who has been trained to build latrines to come and take a look at it. He is very

reasonable. He often helps you do the work, charges less and does the repairs quickly.” She

continues as she knows she has his attention now, “We can assign the task of weeding and

clearing the pathway to the kids, just like they help me with the latrine cleaning.” James looks

thoughtful, “Yes, I can see that this will work-and if we maintained the latrine well, it will serve

the whole family for a long time to come. James’ wife smiles, she knows her husband is proud

to have a latrine for his family and will do everything to keep it in good working condition.

Their latrine will soon go from run-down to repaired.

Prompting Questions








25. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Safely Dispose of a Child’s

Faeces




Story Trigger: My Compound is unsafe and I’m going to fix it.

Rita is so sad these days. Every time she turns around, her family is sick. She doesn’t know why. Her

good neighbour, Afi comes over to see her and she can tell that Rita is unhappy. “Rita,” Afi asks softly,

“why the sad face? Money problem again?” Rita looks at Afi and sighs, “Well, yes and no! We are

having problems paying for our medical bills because the family always seems to have diarrhoea. My

husband can’t even work on the farm every day!” Afi looks at her and says, “Well, I know that you

have a latrine and you keep it very clean, so it can’t be that….” Rita stops for a minute and looks around

the compound. “And I can see that you have proper handwashing stations with soap and water that I

have seen your family use often – in fact, handwashing is more of a habit and everyday thing in your

household than mine, so it can’t be that too.” Rita sighs again because she is sure she is doing

everything right. Then Afi looks around and sees some diapers in the nearby bushes with many flies on

them. “Ahaa, now I see the problem,” Afi says shaking her head in disgust. “You are not properly

disposing of your daughter’s faeces in the latrine!!!”. Rita looks confused and says, “but infant’s faeces

don’t carry germs like adult’s faeces, do they? Besides my daughter is too young to use our latrine” Afi

replies, “Yes they do, your young daughter’s faeces are as harmful as adult’s faeces, it contains the

same germs and can make you sick. When you throw it in the bushes, the flies get on it and carry the

germs to your house, food and family." Rita now looks very surprised, “So what can I do?” Afi explains,

“Have your daughter use a chamber pot and empty the content in the latrine. If she poops on the

ground, collect and throw it in the latrine immediately. When she gets a little older, you can teach and

assist her on how to use the latrine.” Rita sighs again, but this time contentedly and adds, “Now I see

why my family is always getting diarrhoea. My compound is unsafe and I am going to fix it.”

Prompting Questions








26. HOME VISIT CHECKLIST: Latrine Use, Maintenance and

Managing Children’s Faeces




Only use this checklist if household has an improved latrine

Audiences: Households (Mothers/Caregivers, Partners and Children)

Users: Environmental Health Officers, Community Development Officers, Health

Promotion Officers, Community Health Volunteers, Community Health Nurses,

Natural Leaders, Teachers, SHEP Coordinators, and other WASH Practitioners.

Venue for Use: Households with improved latrines

District

Area Council

Community

Family name, size and

contact number

……………………………………./…………………/………………………

Ask the following questions and tick as applicable

Household Activity

LATRINE USE

1. How often does this household clean its latrine(s)? (tick appropriate response)

Daily Weekly Any time it is messy Other: ___________________

2. How does this household dispose of its anal cleansing material? (tick responses)

In the latrine hole In a bin On the floor Other: ________________

3. What does this household use to reduce smell from its latrine? Ash Dettol Other(s)……………………

4. Does household have a squat hole cover which allows air to move freely into the pit? Yes No

5. Does this household use its squat hole cover? Yes No

LATRINE MAINTENANCE

6. Does household check its latrine regularly to be sure it is in good working condition?

7. If yes to question 6, which of the following actions does the family undertake? (tick all that apply)

Examine the fly proof netting at the top of the vent pipe Change torn fly proof immediately

Pour little water down the vent pipe occasionally to remove cobwebs and dirt Cut grown tree

branches around the latrine Constantly inspect and mend cracks in the latrine building Check for

leakages between vent pipe, cover slabs, and roof Keep the area around latrine free from weeds

and refuse Make sure the pathway to the latrine is clear of weeds

MANAGING CHILDREN’S FECES

8. Where do the young children (under five years) defecate? (tick responses)

Chamber pot Latrine with assistance Diaper On the ground and collected

Other: -------------------------------------

9. If children in this household use a chamber pot, diaper or defecate on the ground and collected, where

is the faeces disposed of?

Thrown into the latrine Dig and bury Other: __________________

MODULE 4: TREAT, STORE AND FETCH

DRINKING WATER SAFELY



List of Materials

1. FACT SHEET: Boiling Water to Drink ........................................................................................................ 1

2. HOW TO Boil Your Drinking Water .......................................................................................................... 2

3. INSTRUCTIONS: Boiling Drinking Water ................................................................................................... 3

4. FACT SHEET: Properly Storing and Fetching Safe Drinking Water............................................................. 4

5. HOW TO Safely Store and Fetch Your Drinking Water ............................................................................. 5

6. INSTRUCTIONS: Safely Storing Drinking Water ........................................................................................ 6

7. INSTRUCTIONs: Safely Fetching Stored Drinking Water ........................................................................... 7

8. RADIO SPOT: Boil Water Collected Before Drinking ................................................................................. 8

9. RADIO SPOT: Storing Drinking Water ...................................................................................................... 9

10. RADIO SPOT: Fetch Drinking Water Safely ............................................................................................. 10

11. ROLE PLAY: Boil Water Collected before Drinking ................................................................................. 11

12. ROLE PLAY: Boil Water Collected before Drinking ................................................................................. 12

13. ROLE PLAY: Drinking Water Storage ...................................................................................................... 13

14. ROLE PLAY: Fetch Your Treated Drinking Water Safely .......................................................................... 14

15. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Boil Water Collected before Drinking ............................................................ 15

16. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Boil Water Collected before Drinking ............................................................ 16

17. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Store Drinking Water Safely .......................................................................... 17



20. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Retrieve Drinking Water Safely ..................................................................... 20

21. HOME VISIT CHECKLIST: Water Treatment, Storage, And Retrieval ....................................................... 21

22. HOME VISIT CHECKLIST: How and When to Clean Drinking Water Containers and Utensils ................... 22


Water - P a g e | 1


1. FACT SHEET: Boiling Water to Drink Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



WHAT IS BOILING WATER TO DRINK? Boiling is a way to kill germs and bacteria found in most water sources to make it safe to drink. It is an easy and very cost effective method of getting safe water. If the water is cloudy, it should be filtered to remove the dirt before boiling it. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BOIL WATER TO DRINK? Drinking contaminated water creates

many health problems, including diarrheal

diseases. Boiling water kills the germs

found in it that make it unsafe to drink.

Most harmful microorganisms and germs

in water die when it has been boiled

making it safe to drink. Boiling does not;

however, destroy or remove

contaminants or chemicals in the water.

WHAT WATER SHOULD BE BOILED FOR DRINKING? Water should be boiled if it comes from

unsafe sources. Unsafe sources of water include surface water, unprotected wells and river water. Water can also be contaminated by dirty containers, their covers and during transportation to the house, so it is good to even boil water from the borehole to be sure it is safe to drink. WHEN SHOULD WE BOIL WATER? Drinking water should be boiled before it is consumed and it should be allowed to cool. It is also good to boil drinking water when there is an outbreak of diseases like cholera, even if you think the source is safe. HOW LONG SHOULD WATER BE BOILED? Water should be boiled until it rolls with large bubbles. The time it takes to achieve this will depend on how hot the fire that is being used to boil the water is and the amount of water being boiled.


Water - P a g e | 2 Full permission granted to photocopy

2. HOW TO Boil Your Drinking Water

It is important to boil your drinking water properly so that you kill all the germs and your family will stay healthy.

1. Filter water

2. Boil the water until

you see big bubbles

3. Let boiled water cool, then

store in a safe container for use

4. Ensure container is

covered at all times



3. INSTRUCTIONS: Boiling Drinking Water Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



What is boiling of drinking water? It is water that has been boiled/treated to make it potable. Boiling kills the disease-causing germs found in water that make it unsafe to drink. Germs die in boiling water, so by the time water boiled vigorously, all germs have been killed, making it safe to drink.

How can you use these instructions for a demonstration?

Steps:

Welcome the group and explain the purpose of the

session: the importance of boiling your drinking water,

how to plan for water boiling, and how to boil drinking

water.

Ask participants:

o Where does your drinking water come from?

o Why is it important to boil your drinking water?

o How do you boil drinking water?

o How can you plan for your drinking water boiling?

o How do you water has boiled enough?

Distribute the “Boil Drinking Water How-to” and go

through each step asking them to describe what they see

and understand.

Ask questions to reinforce new knowledge as members

are discussing.

Ask them if they have any questions about boiling their drinking water.

Ask for their commitment to the points below:

1. Boil drinking water for the family daily.

2. Plan for the boiling of drinking water to make the task easier and less costly.

3. Use locally available fuel to boiling water.

Preparation

Review and refer to Boil

Drinking Water Fact

Sheet, as needed.


with all provisions: water

containers, lids, jerry can,

tap, other choices as

appropriate.


Boil Drinking Water How-

To, carry needed copies

with you.



4. FACT SHEET: Properly Storing and Fetching Safe Drinking

Water Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



WHAT IS SAFE DRINKING WATER? It is water that has been boiled or treated to make it drinkable. WHAT IS PROPER STORAGE OF SAFE DRINKING WATER? Safe storage of drinking water is the practice of keeping treated water in a clean separate container with a clean fitting cover that protects it from re-contamination. WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF A SAFE STORAGE CONTAINER? It is preferable to store treated water in plastic, ceramic, or metal containers with the following characteristics, which serve as physical barriers to recontamination:

A small opening with a lid or cover that discourages users from placing potentially dirty items, such as hands, into the stored water; or

If small opening is unavailable, container with a good lid and a long-handled cup that can be safely stored inside and used only to take out water; or

A tap or small opening to allow easy and safe access to the water without requiring the insertion of hands or objects into the container; and

A container that can be easily: 1) Cleaned regularly with soap and clean

water and

2) Placed out of reach of small children.

WHAT IS PROPER FETCHING OF DRINKING WATER? Safe drinking water fetching means taking water out of the drinking water container in a manner that does not contaminate it.

WHAT ARE THE ELEMENTS OF A SAFE FETCHING CUP?

Long-handled cup that can be safely stored on top of the drinking water container; or

A tap to take out the drinking water without opening the container; or

Smaller opening where water can be poured out into a cup (still needs to be large enough to clean the container properly every day)

Key Points Wash drinking water containers

regularly or before refilling with soap and clean water.

Always keep drinking water well-covered.

Only use long-handled cup for fetching. Do not drink from this cup. Always ensure that long-handled cup is clean.

Use separate containers for drinking water only.

Keep drinking water out of reach of small children.

Keep drinking water container in a clean environment.

Separate drinking water cups from other utensils when storing.



5. HOW TO Safely Store and Fetch Your Drinking Water

It is important to store and fetch your drinking water safely to keep it clean and safe to drink for your whole family.

1. Wash your drinking water containers

regularly with soap and clean water

2. Pour your boiled water into a

clean drinking water container

3. Cover your drinking water

container

4. Keep your drinking water out

of reach of your small children

6. Use a separate cup for

drinking

5. Use a long-handled cup

to fetch your drinking

water



6. INSTRUCTIONS: Safely Storing Drinking Water




What is safe drinking water?

It is water that has been boiled/treated to make it fit to drink, wholesome or potable. What is safe storage of drinking water? Safe storage of drinking water is the practice of keeping treated water in a clean separate container with a cover that protects the water from re-contamination. How can you use these instructions for a demonstration?

Steps:

Welcome the group and explain the purpose of the session: the importance of storing

your drinking water safely and how to safely store

drinking water.

Ask participants:

o Why is it important to store your drinking water

safely?

o How can you safely store your drinking water?

Ask a few members of the group to demonstrate how to

safely store drinking water. Use the How-to Store and

Fetch Drinking Water Safely handout to assist with

picture and illustrations.

Ask questions to reinforce new knowledge as members

are demonstrating.

Ask them if they have any questions about storing their

drinking water safely.

Go over the steps once again as you distribute the How-

to Store and Fetch Drinking Water Safely handout.

Ask for their commitment to the points below:

1. Have separate containers for drinking water.

2. Clean drinking water container(s) and fetching cup at least once a week.

3. Tightly cover drinking water.

4. Keep drinking water out of reach of children under five-years old.

Preparation

Review and refer to Safe

Storage of Drinking Water




containers, lids, jerry can,

tap, other choices as

appropriate.


How-to Store and Fetch

Drinking Water Safely,

carry needed copies with

you.



7. INSTRUCTIONs: Safely Fetching Stored Drinking Water Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



What is safe drinking water? It is water that has been treated to make it fit to drink, wholesome or potable. What is safe fetching of stored treated drinking water? Safe fetching of drinking water is taking or removing water out of the drinking water container in a manner that does not contaminate it. How can you use these instructions for a demonstration?

Steps:

Welcome the group and explain the purpose of the session: the importance of fetching your drinking water safely and how to safely fetch drinking water.

Ask participants: o Why is it important to fetch your drinking water

safely? o How can you safely fetch your drinking water?

Ask a few members of the group to demonstrate how to safely fetch drinking water. (Allow them use materials you have brought along or materials they have provided.)

Ask questions to reinforce new knowledge as members are demonstrating.

Ask them if they have any questions and if in your plan, distribute the How-to Fetch Drinking Water Safely.

Ask for their commitment to the points below: 1. Purchase and use a long-handled cup to fetch water

from the drinking water container. 2. Drink from a different cup than you use to fetch your drinking water. 3. Keep fetching cup out of reach of small children to keep them clean. 4. Hook fetching cup on the inside of the water container to keep it clean.

Preparation

Review and refer to Safe

Fetching of Drinking Water




containers, lids, long-

handled fetching cup, and

cup for drinking.


How-to Fetch Drinking

Water Safely, carry needed

copies with you.



8. RADIO SPOT: Boil Water Collected Before Drinking

Time Sound Audio

0:00 – 0:04 0:04 – 0:10 0:10 – 0:12 0:12 0:28 – 0:29 0:31 – 0:32 0:36 – 0:38 0:38 0:42 – 0:50

Key Promise Music Sound effect – instrumental music Sound effect – saucepan and lid Sound effect – boiling water Sound effect – instrumental music Key Promise Music

Key Message Voice: For a healthy family, it’s good to know our responsibilities: Boil, store and fetch your drinking water safely. Monologue Woman: Water is Life. But not all water is safe to drink. Water can easily get contaminated, even just carrying it from the borehole or pipe. Water from streams, ponds and rivers also has to be treated before it becomes safe to drink. It is easy to treat your water to make it safe for drinking. After preparing the family meal, don’t put off the fire immediately, use it to boil your water for the next day. All you need is a clean pot or saucepan with a lid. Pour the water into the pot and put it on fire. Let it boil until you see large bubbles, then you can take it off the fire. Let it cool down and pour it into your clean drinking water container with a lid. You see, it’s simple! Now, you and your family have clean water to drink all day. Key Message Voice: For a healthy family, it’s good to know our responsibilities: Boil, store and fetch your drinking water safely. This message is brought to you by Ghana Health Service and USAID.



9. RADIO SPOT: Storing Drinking Water

Time Sound Audio

0:00 – 0:03 0:03 – 0:07 0:07 – 0:08 0:08 0:24 – 0:25 0:44 – 0:47 0:47 – 0:48

Key Promise Music Sound effect – gong gong beating Sound effect – saucepan and lid Key Promise Music

Key Message Voice: For a healthy family, it’s good to know our responsibilities: Boil, store and fetch your drinking water safely. Narrator: Agoo! Agoo! Can everyone hear me? Today we are going to talk about something simple but very important. Are you listening? Are you ready? Do you know water meant for drinking must be stored separately and properly in a clean water storage container with a lid and kept in place out of reach of children? It is not only that, the container and lid should also be cleaned with soap and clean water regularly to have fresh safe water for the family. You see, it’s a simple procedure. Now, you and the family can drink that safe water you always deserve. Key Message Voice: For a healthy family, it’s good to know our responsibilities: Boil, store and fetch your drinking water safely. This message is brought to you by Ghana Health Service and USAID.



10. RADIO SPOT: Fetch Drinking Water Safely

Time Sound Audio

0:00 – 0:03 0:03 – 0:09 0:09 – 0:11 0:11 0:51 – 0:54 0:54 – 0:60

Key Promise Music Sound effect – instrumental music Key Promise Music

Key Message Voice: For a healthy family, it’s good to know our responsibilities: Boil, store and fetch your drinking water safely. Monologue Woman: Water is Life and so it must be well protected till it is consumed. Safely stored water must be fetched with a designated clean long-handled cup. A long-handled cup will keep your hands out of your clean drinking water. Not any container at all should be used to fetch drinking water. It should always be a long-handled cup that is used to fetch the drinking water. The water can then be poured into the drinking cup. This keeps the water clean and safe to drink. It is inexpensive and easy to find long-handled cups to use to fetch your drinking water. Make sure you use one today! You see, it’s simple! Now, you and your family can drink that clean water you always deserve. Key Message Voice: For a healthy family, it’s good to know our responsibilities: Boil, store and fetch your drinking water safely. This message is brought to you by Ghana Health Service and USAID.



11. ROLE PLAY: Boil Water Collected before Drinking Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



Scenario: CHAT WITH SISTER ROSE, SISTER ABENA AND AKUA

Materials Needed: Bucket, two chairs


Drinking water is boiled, even from a borehole

Boiled drinking water is stored in a clean, separate container

Boiled drinking water is safest to drink

Sister Rose and her friend Sister Abena are engaged in a chat when Akua, Sister Rose’s

daughter walks in with a bucket of water just from the borehole. Sister Rose instructs

her daughter to quickly prepare the drinking water as they had almost run out of

drinking water in the house. Sister Abena is curious and asks her friend about the

instruction given to her daughter to prepare drinking water. Sister Rose explains to

her friend that drinking water in her house is always boiled and stored separately. She

explains that this is to ensure they drink only the safest water. Sister Abena is

impressed and commits to adopt the practice.

Discussion Points

What are the sources of water in the community? Which sources do people use

for drinking water?

Is it common practice to treat drinking water? Which water treatment options are

common in the community? Are there any benefits in boiling drinking water?

How easy and convenient is it to boil drinking water? How long does it take to boil

drinking water?

What can be done to make boiling drinking water a regular practice in the

community?

Share relevant responsibility as a final word.



12. ROLE PLAY: Boil Water Collected before Drinking Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



Scenario: KWESI AND MENSAH FROM THE FARM

Materials Needed: Water, cup for drinking


Drinking water should be boiled

Boiling water kills germs and prevents most diseases

Boiled drinking water is kept in clean container

Family is healthier because water is boiled

Kwesi and his friend Mensah have just returned from the farm. Mensah requests a

cup of water to drink before continuing home. He drinks the water and comments on

how refreshing it is. Kwesi attributes it to the fact that they are tired, but Mensah

insists and wants to know the secret behind the consistently refreshing water he

always drinks in Kwesi’s house. Kwesi’s wife steps in and explains how drinking water

is treated in their house. Water from the well is filtered, then boiled and stored in a

clean separate drinking water container with a tight-fitting cover. Mensah wonders

why all that trouble just for drinking water. Kwesi explains that even water from the

borehole if not handled well can easily get contaminated. One way to be sure your

water is safe to drink is to boil and store it properly. That is why he is so proud of his

wife because she does that every day to keep the whole family healthy.

Discussion Points

What are the water sources in the community? Which sources do people get

drinking water from?

Is water treated in the home? Which treatment methods do people use

commonly? When is water treated? How often is water treated?

Is drinking water commonly stored separately? What containers are usually used

to store drinking water?

What do you do in your household to treat and store drinking water? Why?

Share relevant responsibility as a final word.



13. ROLE PLAY: Drinking Water Storage Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



Scenario: It is very easy to store our drinking water safely.

Materials Needed: water storage container, water, soap and sponge

Scenario 1 Key Focus Issues:

Place drinking water out of reach of children

Obtain separate container with clean fitting cover for storing drinking water

Clean drinking water storage containers every day

Mrs Adamu goes to Mrs Abu for salt for the evening meal. When she gets there she realizes

her friend is thoroughly washing a container with a lid with soap and sponge. She asks Mrs.

Abu what she is doing. Mrs. Abu explains that she is cleaning the water container that she

uses solely for storing her family’s drinking water. She cleans it with soap and sponge any

time she has to refill it with the treated water for drinking. Mrs. Adamu explains that she

cannot use a separate container as her young child will simply put all manner of things in it

and make it dirty. So she just leaves all the water in the big drum from which they fetch water

to drink. Mrs Abu tells her that she learnt from the Community-based Volunteer at the last

meeting that to ensure the family has safe water to drink all the time, they needed to obtain

a separate container with cover for storing their drinking water, place it out of reach of the

young children, then clean drinking water storage container(s) every day. That is exactly what

she is doing. Mrs Abu adds that her husband is so happy because they have clean water and

the children are healthy and not falling sick as before. Mrs Adamu thanks her friend and

adds,” I can’t wait till the next market day to buy a new container to safely store my family’s

drinking water too”.

Discussion Points

How difficult is it to get a water storage container? Why should we have a designated place for water to avoid contamination? How frequent should a water storage container be cleaned? What are the materials

required in cleaning a water storage container? How easy is it to water storage containers every day? Why should we have clean fitting lid/cover for our water storage containers? Share relevant responsibility as a final word.



14. ROLE PLAY: Fetch Your Treated Drinking Water Safely




Scenario: We can easily contaminate our drinking water

Materials Needed: Water, cup for drinking, long-handled cup for fetching, storage container

Scenario 1 Key Focus Issues:

Where to obtain the long-handled cup

How to properly fetch water from the container

The type of container to use in fetching water

Family is healthier because water doesn’t get contaminated during the fetching process

Linda is thirsty after spending the day playing with Musah under the mango tree in Musah’s

house. She went for the tin tomato container sitting on top of the veranda to fetch some water

from the water storage container in the Kitchen. Musah stops her and rather directed her to

use the long-handled cup on top of the storage container to fetch the water. Linda wants to

know why she has to use the long handled cup and not the used Tin Tomato can. Musah explains

that, the only water they drink in their house is water that has been filtered, boiled and stored

in that clean storage pot with a cover. To keep the drinking water safe from contamination, only

the long-handled cup is used in fetching water from the drinking pot. That cup is placed top of

the water container cover at all times and washed with soap, sponge and water daily to keep it

clean. Musah reaches out and picks one of the cups from a basket nearby and hands it over to

Linda to drink from and adds “Never drink from the long-handled cup as you will end up

introducing saliva or other germs from your mouth into the drinking water. Linda drinks her

water and sigh “What refreshing water”, my mother will hear of this. She thanks Musah for the

health tips.

Discussion Points

What is used for fetching drinking water in our homes? Are you considering buying a long-handled cup for fetching of water? Where are the fetching utensils kept? How do we ensure they are clean always? How do we fetch our drinking water from containers? Are we willing to have discussions on water fetching advice with community based

volunteers? Share relevant responsibility as a final word.



15. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Boil Water Collected before

Drinking Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



Story Trigger: Stream water is so refreshing!

The evening meal was finished, everybody had eaten their fill and Adjo had just finished

reheating the soup she made. Once the soup was hot, she took it off and brought out a nicely

polished saucepan, filled it with water and set in on the fire. Adjo’s mother, who was visiting

her daughter and family, sat quietly observing her daughter. Out of curiosity, she asked her

daughter, “What are you going to do with the water and why that nice saucepan?”. “Maa”,

Adjo replied, “I’m using the rest of the fire to prepare our drinking water.” “Drinking water?”

Her mother asked, even more curious now. Adjo pulled a chair and sat next to her mother.

“Maa, we get our water from the stream, who knows what happens to it. It might look clean,

but since people do all kinds of stuff in the stream these days, I separate the water that we

will drink, boil it and when it cools down, I pour it into the clean drinking water containers

over there”, she pointed to the containers as she spoke, “It is easy and I don’t need to get

more wood to boil it.” Adjo’s mother stared at her for a minute and then said, “But stream

water is so refreshing and you grew up drinking raw water from the stream and now look at

you, only boiled water is good for your family to drink” Hmmm, but come to think of it, you

are right looking at all the things that end up in our streams these days. Only God has been

protecting us from falling sick from using polluted water.”

Prompting Questions







16. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Boil Water Collected before

Drinking Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



Story Trigger: Boiling water is boring!

Mansa and her friend Afua had just returned from the borehole, where they had gone to

collect water for their individual homes. On the way back, they had been talking about a

funeral they would be attending the next day. Afua told Mansa, “let me just pour the water

into the barrel and I will come over for us to finish the discussion on the funeral”. “Okay, I

will be waiting”, Mansa responded. True to her word, Afua arrived at Mansa’s house 10

minutes later. When she got there, Mansa was busily boiling water on her coal pot. From

the look of the pot and that fact that it was after dinner Afua knew her friend was not

cooking. “Eh how cold is the evening that you are boiling water to bath?”. “Afua asked her

friend. Mansa motioned her friend to sit, “I’m not boiling bathing water, I’m boiling water

for drinking”, she responded. Afua was surprised, “Really?”, she said, “Is this not part of the

water we collected from the borehole just now?”, “I thought they said the borehole water

is very pure, but is it not boring to have to take time to boil it again?”. Mansa replied her

friend, “Yes, the borehole water is good water, but remember that from the time we fetched

the water and carried it home till now, it could get contaminated. So to be sure, my family

and I are drinking the safest water, I boil the water and pour it into a clean container with

tight fitting cover that we use only as drinking water.” Afua was surprised for the second

time, “Really?” she said. “It looks like a lot of work but I think it is very important. I will try

it.” She concluded. Mansa replies “Not that difficult and certainly not boring, if you plan it.

See, I only boil the drinking water after cooking the evening meal using the left over fuel

wood. By morning it’s all cool, with any particles settled and ready to pour into the drinking

water container”.

Prompting Questions







17. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Store Drinking Water Safely




Story Trigger: Clean drinking water containers regularly and properly

Kwabena and Abena are cleaning their containers by the stream. Kwabena notices that

Abena does not have all of her containers with her. “Abena, did you lose or forgot some of

your containers?” he asks her. “What do you mean Kwabena? I am washing the ones I

always wash at the stream.” Abena replies. “If you mean the other blue ones I have, those

are our drinking water containers and I never wash those at the stream.” Kwabena stops for

a minute, not sure how to respond, then says, “Why do you wash your drinking water

containers differently and why are they all blue?” Abena smiles and says, “The colour

makes it easy to always remember that they are our family’s drinking water containers and

we use them for nothing else. It keeps our drinking water always clean and I am always sure

to clean them properly.” She stops and Kwabena prompts her, “and why don’t you clean

them at the stream?” Abena frowns at Kwabena, “I was just about to finish, always so

impatient Kwabena! I wash our drinking water containers with soap and a sponge every

day. I rinse them out well with clean water before I pour my fresh and cooled boiled

drinking water in them again.” “Doesn’t this waste your drinking water?” Kwabena

questions. “Oh no, I only use a little of the boiled water, that way I’m always sure the

containers are clean and safe for storing our drinking water,” Abena answers and continues

washing out her other containers.

Prompting Questions











Story Trigger: Out of reach of children

Auntie Akua comes into the house and sees her young child knocking over the drinking water

pot. She exclaims, “Kojo, stop spoiling the drinking water. I have told you countless times to

ask me when you need water to drink. Now I will have to boil one whole container again.

We have not only wasted water, but we will be wasting firewood or charcoal as well.” Just as

she finished this outburst, her neighbour, Maame Ama, comes over to see what she is fuming

about. “Akua, what is the matter this time? Why are you yelling at Kojo?” Auntie Akua sighs

and says, “Kojo has knocked over the water pot again, now I have to boil another container

full. Maame Ama says to her friend, “you should do what I have started doing after I spoke

with our Community Health Volunteer. I am now putting our drinking water where my

younger children cannot reach it. That way I am sure it stays clean and doesn’t get knocked

over,” Maame Abena shares. Auntie Akua is impressed and says “let me go and take a look at

where you keep your drinking water and see what changes we can make to prevent Kojo

from knocking it over again.” As they go, Maame Ama reminds her friend “but make sure you

always save some in a water bottle for the children to drink when no adult is at home”.

Auntie Akua looks relieved and follows her neighbour into her kitchen to see what could be

done.

Prompting Questions











Story Trigger: Store drinking water in separate containers

Asana and Fusena are sitting outside talking after preparing food for the evening meal.

Asana notices in Fusena’s kitchen that she has several plastic containers, with three larger

blue ones in the corner on a table out of reach of the children. She asks, “What is so special

about those three large coloured containers that you have them together and on a table?”

Fusena looks around to see what her friend is talking about. “Oh those containers are very

important!” she exclaims. “They contain the most important thing in our household – our

drinking water!” Asana shakes her head as Fusena always makes everything sound so

important. Fusena continues, “I keep all of our drinking water in the blue separate

containers so my family always knows where to find their safe water. I want my family to

stay healthy, so I try to make it easier for all of us to remember. Also, now, I always know

which ones I need to clean properly to keep the containers safe for drinking.” Asana adds, “I

like this arrangement, you always seem to know the right thing to do to safe guard your

family’s health”. “I’m going to follow your example. I’m tired of visiting the hospital all the

time with the episodes of diarrhoea or another sickness”.

Prompting Questions







20. STORY FOR DISCUSSION: Retrieve Drinking Water Safely




Story Trigger: Dirty hands in the drinking water

As Maureen walks into Akua’s compound, she asks, “Oh I am so glad to be here Akua! I have

been walking all day and I am so tired and thirsty. Can I get some water to drink?”. “Of course,

Maureen, let me get Kofi to bring you some immediately.” Akua responded and asked her son

to bring her friend some water. Her son walks to the separate drinking water container,

removes the lid and sticks his hand down into the pot to scoop some water for Maureen to

drink. Maureen exclaims, “but I don’t want to drink water that has his dirty hands in”. Why

do you let him dip his hand into the clean drinking water, Akua? I know that you boil your

drinking water and store it in clean, separate, covered containers, but now your son dirties the

entire container of water by dipping his hands with the cup in the water.” Akua looks

embarrassed as she has tried to keep her family healthy and be a good role model for her

neighbours. Maureen continues, “You should do what we do, we always use a long-handled

cup to fetch our drinking water out of the container. “We then pour the water from the long-

handled cup into another cup for drinking.” It is easy to find the long-handled cup on the

market and they are affordable too. Akua asks, “How do you keep that cup clean.? Do you

hang it out of the way, hook it inside the water container or what do you do?” Maureen

answers promptly, “We place it on top of the lid of the water container and cover it with a

clean napkin. This keeps it clean always and right where we need it.” Akua looks relieved as

she now has a solution to her problem of fetching their drinking water safely. Now her whole

family can fetch their drinking water safely.

Prompting Questions







21. HOME VISIT CHECKLIST: Water Treatment, Storage, And

Retrieval Audiences: Mothers, Caregivers, Fathers, Grandparents and Children



District

Area Council

Community

Family name/size/contact No. …………………………../…………/……………………


Household Activity Tick

YES NO

1. Does this household treat its drinking water?

[If No, then continue to question 7. If Yes, continue with the remaining questions]

2. If yes, what methods does it use? (check all that apply)

Boil Ceramic Pot Filter Chlorine Tablets

Solar Disinfectant (SODIS) Sand Filter Cloth Filter Other…

If they said YES to Boil, complete #3-#5; otherwise continue to #6

BOIL WATER COLLECTED FOR DRINKING. Does this household:

3. Boil its water using an existing fire started for other purposes?

4. Sets fire just to boil water?

5. Plan how it boils its drinking water?

6. Use locally available fuel like charcoal or firewood for boiling water?

STORE DRINKING WATER SAFELY. Does this household:

7. Store its drinking water in clean container (s)?

8. Store its drinking water in separate container (s)?

9. Cover its drinking water container with a tight-fitting lid?

10. Keep it in a place out of reach of small children?

11. Make drinking water accessible to children when adults are out of the house

12. Clean its drinking water container(s) at least once a week?

FETCH DRINKING WATER SAFELY. Does this household:

13. Use a hooked, long-handled cup or ladle to fetch drinking water?

14. Keep fetching cup clean?

15. Keep fetching cup out of reach of small children?

16. Use a tap on its drinking water container(s)?

17. Hook its fetching cup on the inside of its drinking water container(s)?

18. Keep a separate cup for drinking ONLY (not used for fetching)?



22. HOME VISIT CHECKLIST: How and When to Clean

Drinking Water Containers and Utensils




District

Community

Area Council

Family name/size/contact

No.

…………………………../…………/……………………


Household Activity

1. How often does this household clean its drinking water container(s)?

Daily Every other day Weekly When filling the container(s)

Specify other………………………….

2. What does the household use to clean its drinking water container(s)?

With only water With soap and sponge Specify other material(s)………………………………

3. Does the household have a long-handled cup for fetching water?

Yes No

4. How often do they clean their long-handled cup (s)?

Daily Every other day Weekly When filling the container(s) Specify other

time(s)……………………………………………………………………………….

5. What does the household use to clean its long- handled cup for fetching water?

With only water With soap and sponge Specify other

material(s)……………………………….

6. How often do they clean the lid or cover?

Daily Every other day Weekly When filling the container(s) Specify other

time(s)………………………….

7. What does the household use to clean their lid or cover?

With only water With soap and sponge Specify other material(s)………………………………