WASH UP! Project Summary

World Vision began implementing WASH UP! in 2015 in partnership with Sesame Workshop (the nonprofit organisation behind Sesame Street). Starting in Zambia, the programme has expanded to 18 countries as of 2022. WASH UP! is a unique programme that harnesses the potential of children as agents of change—leading to a healthier, brighter future. It is a child-focused, play-based hygiene behaviour-change program that uses engaging videos, games and stories to help children learn, practice and share healthy hygiene behaviours.

The WASH UP! programme provides access to meaningful sanitation and hygiene education and encourages healthy behaviours in children ages 5 to 9. Sesame characters Raya and Elmo have the unique ability to talk to children, model behaviors for them, and give them the language to talk about taboo topics such as toilet use. Raya is pioneering conversations all over the world about clean water, handwashing with soap, and proper latrine use through easy-to-share reminders that children can teach to family, siblings and friends.