Gala health day in a small rural school celebrates programs to improve school and community health practices and reduce absenteeism.
Last week we joined health day celebrations in one of the schools with whom we work in Ek Phnom district of Battambang Province (north west Cambodia). The objective was to spread the message about good health practices throughout the community.
Along with members of the wider community, the school was celebrating successful adoption of health practices, as part of SeeBeyondBorders’ Getting to School Program. Illness is a major cause of absenteeism in rural Cambodian schools, and SeeBeyondBorders conducts programs with school children, teachers and parents to promote good health and sanitation, particularly hand washing and teeth cleaning.
The gala day began with a parade around the village by more than 300 school children who spread the health message with signs and loud speakers. Later, they presented role plays to demonstrate the benefits of health and sanitation habits, and sang songs in celebration of good health.
The school principal explained the health program provided by SeeBeyondBorders aimed to educate and encourage children and their parents to wash hands and clean teeth, and to motivate students, parents and the whole community to increase their focus on child health.
The day was captured by Radio Free Asia, and broadcast on Tuesday evening. View the video here.
