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Youth group inspires community to prioritize hygiene at health center
Club Leads Others to Keep Clinic Clean
Photo: MTTA
Following the precedent set by Kalolo Mphamvu Kwa Achinyamata Club, community
members take responsibility for cleaning the health center.
“We believe that by improving the environment of patients, we are also improving the health conditions of everyone in the community,” said head teacher Macloud Lungu.
Macloud Lungu, the head teacher of Kalolo’s primary school in Kasungu District, visited Mziza Health Center for medical help for his son, who had a swollen leg. While waiting for the doctor, he noticed that the premises were not hygienic, with litter dumped everywhere and flies swarming the premises. He realized that the health center was short of staff and could not clean the premises properly.
Macloud shared his concern with Kalolo Mphamvu Kwa Achinyamata (Power to the Youth) Club, which is supported by the USAID-funded Malawi Teachers Training Activity project. The club organized to help the clinic staff.
Members approached the clinical officer for approval of the cleaning program they planned, and then they cleaned and cleared the premises. The turnout of youth members for the activity was overwhelming, with even former members who graduated returning to support the club members.
Within a few hours, the health center was clean again. The center’s staff greatly appreciated the youth’s act of goodwill, while the community members around the center took it as an opportunity to begin taking some special effort in ensuring that the premises were kept clean. The health center is now cleaned regularly by community members.
Macloud said, “Activities like this help children to develop skills of critical thinking, decision making, empathy and problem solving.” The Malawi Teachers Training Activity project hopes this seemingly simple action that has helped to change the attitudes of ordinary villagers will continue to influence other communities for a healthier Malawi.
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