HEALTH
Lessons About Hygiene in Burj El Barajneh Refugee Camp, Lebanon
Jan, 2019
Anera recently organized a hygiene awareness session for children in Beirut, Lebanon's Burj El Barajneh refugee camp.
“I am stronger when I am clean and healthy!” That’s how the storyteller started the “hakawati” or storytelling session, surrounded by 75 excited children at the Fraternity Association in Burj El Barajneh refugee camp in Beirut, Lebanon. By using humor, the hakawati aims to entertain the children while teaching important lessons about best hygiene practices.
Among the stories and lessons of the hakawati, was one about a little boy named Mohammad who wanted to be the strongest boy in the world. In the story, Mohammad has to pass three tests in order to prove he is the strongest. Each test consisted of asking Mohammed questions regarding hygiene and teaching him about best practices. At the end of the skit, Mohammed realizes he is already strong because he follows all of the hygienic best practices and is healthier than most of his peers.
Lessons and hygienic practices taught during the event included, washing hands, taking a bath or washing regularly and brushing teeth. The event and storyteller encouraged the children to engage with the lessons by posing general questions and having the children yell out answers. The children also engaged with the storyteller by building a big puzzle related to hygienic themes. After placing the final piece in the puzzle, the children all discussed steps they could take to stay healthy.
At the end of the hakawati, Anera volunteers distributed Church World Service donated hygiene kits that consisted of towels, toothpaste, a toothbrush, soap, and other small products. Then the volunteers discussed with the children why these tools are essential and how they can use them properly. All while reinforcing the hygiene lessons learned earlier in the event.
The fun and interactive event, titled “Salamti Bi Eidi,” was organized and funded by Anera and Church World Service (CWS). The purpose of the event is to raise awareness among the children of Burj El Barajneh refugee camp about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking care of themselves as well as their community.
