Schools across the Central Islands Province (CIP) have joined the global community in celebrating Global Handwashing Day 2025, marking the first time many schools in the province have commemorated this important health awareness event.
This year’s celebration, held under the theme “Be a Hand-washing Hero,” highlighted the commitment of students, teachers, and communities to promote hygiene and improve health and well-being in schools across the province.
Supported by the Australian Government through the Solomon Islands Australia Partnership and implemented by the Central Province Education Authority with technical assistance from UNICEF Solomon Islands, the province has made significant strides in improving school sanitation and hygiene facilities.
Through the ongoing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Project, which runs from April 2024 to April 2026, a total of 26 schools have benefited from new ablution blocks, handwashing facilities, and water systems, while 30 schools have received hygiene education and training.
A number of officials traveled from Honiara to the schools on Wednesday to witness and participate in the event.
According to Patricia Keniherea, the WASH Project Coordinator for Central Province, the initiative has two major components infrastructure development and hygiene behavior change.
“The first part focuses on building the facilities, while the second part focuses on hygiene behavior change through training for teachers, students, parents, and the community,” Ms. Keniherea explained.
“Through UNICEF and the Ministry of Education, teachers have been trained using the Solomon Islands School WASH Standards to monitor hygiene practices and encourage healthy behaviors in schools.”
As part of the celebration, selected schools including Buenvester, Vatilau CHS, Sunfly, Dala CHS, Tulagi, and McMahon CHS hosted special programs featuring student-led performances, poems, and role plays to promote handwashing and hygiene awareness.
The event also served as a platform for students to showcase creative advocacy through art, emphasizing how proper hand hygiene can prevent illness and create a healthier learning environment.
Parents, teachers, and community members expressed pride and excitement as students confidently demonstrated their knowledge and commitment to good hygiene practices.
“This is the first time for schools in Central Province to celebrate Global Hand washing Day,” Ms. Keniherea said. “It’s encouraging to see how students, teachers, and parents are coming together to understand the importance of handwashing in protecting their health.”
The commemoration highlights a growing culture of hygiene awareness in Central Province, setting a strong foundation for sustained health and education improvements for years to come.
By George Maelagi
Solomon Star Online
