Twenty-nine handwashing stations were donated on July 16, 2021 to the Ministry of Health & Wellness (MOHW) in partnership with UNICEF Belize as part of the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Program led by the WASH Multi-Sectoral Body.
Last year, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the MOHW engaged with teachers and principals in Toledo who expressed their concerns and needs around access to clean water. Today, the ministry officially received the stations in the presence of principals of some of the schools that will be recipients. The handwashing stations will serve as additional support for 29 primary schools in 29 rural communities Toledo providing improved handwashing options for the benefit of the students. These handwashing stations will better equip the schools to prepare for the reopening of the next school year.
Hon. Michel Chebat, Minister of Health & Wellness, expressed his appreciation to UNICEF for the timely donation. He noted the importance of the contribution in underlining the message of handwashing, as this remains the simplest act in reinforcing the fight against COVID-19.
Ms. Denise Robateau, early childhood development and education officer for UNICEF, spoke on the WASH Program and the role they played in ensuring the wash stations were built and appropriately distributed to deserving schools. She also expressed her gratitude for the collaboration.
The WASH Multi-Sectoral Body, spearheaded in part by the Ministry of Health & Wellness, was formed after the MOHW requested assistance from UNICEF in the development of a WASH proposal to complement water systems in rural Belize. The purpose of the multi-sectoral body is for the enhancement of partnerships to promote advancement of resources, knowledge, and expertise in WASH as a key advocate for children and vulnerable communities.
The wash stations were built by Cortez Limited in St. Matthew’s Village, Cayo District.
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