WASH : the 3rd Children Sanitation Fair 2024 and Grand Finale of 5th School Sanitation Challenge 2024 in Ghana

By: Maami Efua Mensah-Arthur

World Vision Ghana, in partnership with the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources, GAMA Sanitation and Water Project, Ghana Education Service (GES), Kings Hall Media, and Zoomlion Foundation, brought schools from various regions to Accra for the Grand Finale of the 5th School Sanitation Solutions Challenge. This event highlighted the focus on children as the nation’s hope to become sanitation conscious agents of change.

The School Sanitation Solutions (Triple S) Challenge, an annual competition from 2020, invites students from Grade 6 to JHS 2 to co-create sustainable solutions and advocate for improved sanitation in schools, communities and public spaces. Participating schools from Adentan, LEKMA, LADMEO, La Nkwantanang Madina, Tema Metro, Accra Metro, Klottey Korle, Ashaiman, Ayawaso Central and Ga East contributed to the Grand Finale of the 5th School Sanitation Challenge 2024.

The Grand Finale featured four talented contestants who were each awarded cash prizes, plaques and other souvenirs. Abdul from Grace Holy Child Academy in Tamale emerged as the overall winner, earning the title of the Challenge's first male child diplomat, supported by a one-year environmental sanitation project, and a laptop computer. Esi from University JHS in Cape Coast was the first runner-up, Christiana from Presby 'E' Basic School in Koforidua was the second runner-up and Candy from Achimota Basic School in Accra was the third runner-up.

Meanwhile, the 3rd WASH Sanitation Fair 2024 aimed to educate young minds about critical sanitation and hygiene issues and emphasise the importance of maintaining a clean environment. The event inspired the next generation to prioritise sanitation and effective waste management from their homes to the national level.

The fair featured engaging activities, including drama, dance, poetry, music, storytelling, and spoken word performances, to educate and entertain hundreds of participants. There were also exhibitions showcasing sanitation products and innovations from various institutions and students. The programme included video documentaries and short messages from partners and sponsors.

The event was a memorable day of creativity, learning and a shared commitment to a cleaner, healthier future.