Peace and environmental clubs in Beni; the first fruits are being harvested
In 2017, during the tenth epidemic, the non-governmental organizations, in the operational plan of the fight against the Ebola virus disease, installed rainwater collection kits with tanks of more than 2,000 liters in more than two hundred and eighty schools and about three hundred and twenty health structures in the city of Beni, which continue to help children.
However, these tanks have been in operation for five years, but without any follow-up regarding their cleaning. From there, a huge challenge of cleanliness that can cause waterborne diseases among those who benefit from them, mainly children, arises.
In October 2021, as part of the TUGOMBANISHE CHOLERA, EBOLA NA CORONA project implemented by AGIR-RDC, water filters were installed in four schools in order to participate in the sanitary stability of schoolchildren and reduce the risk of waterborne diseases. At the same time, peace and environmental clubs for children have been created in order to maintain the idea of consuming water that has already been filtered, to raise awareness on personal, food and environmental hygiene as well as social cohesion.
Indeed, through the peace club, sensitization and animation sessions facilitated by a community animator for the benefit of the schoolchildren are held at least once a week, an opportunity for the schoolchildren to be themselves at the base of initiatives that strengthen their cohesion and participate in the improvement of the environmental living conditions in their sector.
Thanks to these peace and environmental clubs, on the proposal of the children following the themes exploited in the sensitization sessions, the cleaning activities of the said tanks are now part of the manual work program each week in order to participate in the maintenance of school and individual hygiene in the establishments that are full of these clubs animated by AGIR-RDC.
This is a very good example that we hope other schools will follow so that these tanks serve the cause that motivated their installation and not be breeding grounds for fatal diseases for young students. These students are a model of courage and awareness. Their example encourages us to continue our sensitization and awareness activities in the Beni region.
Fabienne BALOLA