Elizabeth Merola recently visited UNICEF programs in Zambia. In this post, she recounts the experience of visiting a school in Lusaka in conjunction with the UNICEF-supported anti-cholera campaign called “Your Life Is in Your Hands.”
When we arrived at the Twalumba Basic School we are immediately greeted by the District Commissioner, Ms. Christah Kalulu. Ms. Kalulu explained that the students were waiting patiently to see Banja, a traditional drama group.
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| © U.S. Fund for UNICEF/2009 |
| Banja, a traditional drama group, kicks off the a "Your Life is in Your Hands" event by engaging the students in a demonstration of hand washing. |
UNICEF and its partners are assisting the government and working with Banja to spread messages about cholera prevention in schools and communities across the country as part of the “Your life is in Your Hands” campaign. The rainy season is about to begin so preparedness is essential in preventing cholera outbreaks and saving children’s lives, particularly in the poorest compounds (i.e. unplanned communities) that tend to be overcrowded and lack adequate sewage and draining systems.
Twalumba, which means “thank you” in Tonga, is a school for grades 1-7 located in a compound in one of the four districts of Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. Last year, nearly two-thirds of Zambia’s 7,000 cholera cases were recorded in Lusaka, which is home to more than 1 million people.
“Kamwamba” (What’s up?) says the lead performer of Banja. Banja kicks off the event by engaging the students in a demonstration of hand washing. Hand washing with soap is the cheapest and most accessible strategy that has proves to be the most effective means of reducing the incidence of cholera.
The Permanent Secretary of the District of Lusaka, Mr. Stephen Bwalya, is also present. He empowers the students to inform their teachers when there is no soap at school. The children’s response is laughter which I believe indicates enthusiasm about their new charge.
UNICEF Communication for Development Officer, James Simasiku, also speaks to the children and encourages them to take the messages about cholera prevention home to their families.
Banja plays music, dances and performs skits to reinforce the importance of hand washing. The presentations are fun and entertaining for the students—a sure way to get the important message across. The students close the event with their own performance - the national anthem sung by the school choir.
UNICEF and its partners of the “Your Life is in Your Hands” campaign are encouraged that the hundreds and hundreds of Twalumba students learned an important lesson that will help keep them safe from cholera during this and future rainy seasons.
