School Sanitation & Safe Drinking Program in Covid -19
COVID-19 Awareness Teachers’ Training Program 2021-22
Schools are essential for children’s learning, health, safety and well-being. But students’ learning suffered a major setback when most educational institutions reduced or cancelled in-person instruction and moved to remote learning and teaching to minimize the spread of COVID-19.
As per government orders, before reopening schools in the state and after their commencement, specific health, hygiene, and other safety-related guidelines (SOPs) were directed by the authorities. In this regard there was a big question are Schools & Managements ready to open the schools.
With this objective, the P. M. Shah Foundation conducted an online survey among approximately 500 teachers from 50 schools in Pune district to understand their concerns. The survey received a positive response from teachers, as stated by the foundation’s director, Adv. Chetan Gandhi.
Based on the responses received from teachers, the findings of the survey was as follows:
- 83.1% of teachers believed that their responsibilities will increase post-pandemic, leading to higher mental stress, and therefore, they require counselling.
- 15.7% of teachers stated that schools lack all the necessary facilities required as per government guidelines to reopen.
- 71.8% of teachers believe that health-related training is essential for teachers as per government regulations.
- 25.1% of teachers felt that school administrations may not be able to provide all the necessary facilities for students as per COVID-19 preventive measures.
- 31.3% of teachers didn’t had access to district- and state-level helpline numbers to admit any teacher, staff, or student to the nearest hospital in case they are infected with COVID-19.
- 18.3% of teachers believed that school management is not yet fully prepared for reopening.
- 84.3% of teachers think that students are not mentally ready to return to school and require counseling.
- 52.5% of teachers are concerned that the reopening of schools might lead to an increase in COVID-19 infections.
- 13.7% of teachers believed that there was a lack of effective communication between teachers and students during online teaching in the pandemic.
This survey highlights the various challenges faced by teachers regarding school reopening and their readiness in line with government guidelines. The insights gathered will help authorities take necessary measures to ensure a smooth and safe reopening process.
During the COVID-19 found that teachers faced immense challenges in keeping schools operational. To address these difficulties, the P.M.Shah Foundation organized a COVID-19 Awareness Teachers Training Program by Dr. Vikram Gaikwad to equip Teachers & Non-Teaching Staff with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure a safe learning environment.
Objectives of the Training Program:
- Educate teachers on COVID-19 safety protocols and preventive measures.
- Train them to manage classrooms while maintaining social distancing.
- Provide guidance on handling suspected COVID-19 cases in schools.
- Promote mental well-being among students and staff.
Key Areas Covered in Training:
- COVID-19 Basics & Transmission Prevention – Understanding symptoms, variants, and risk factors.
- Proper Sanitation & Hygiene in Schools – Ensuring regular disinfection and hand hygiene.
- Mask Usage & Safety Protocols – Educating students on the correct way to wear masks.
- Hybrid Learning Techniques – Managing online and offline education effectively.
- Mental Health Support – Addressing stress and anxiety among teachers and students.
Implementation Strategy:
- Mode of Training - Virtual workshops via Zoom/Google Meet/Webinars
- Target Audience - Students, Teachers, Parents, and School Administrators
- Interactive Methods - Presentations, Q&A sessions, Videos, and Real-life case studies
- Monitoring & Evaluation - Pre & post-assessment quizzes, feedback forms, and certification for participation
The P. M. Shah Foundation’s COVID-19 Awareness Teachers’ Training Program had a significant and far-reaching impact on school reopening efforts, teacher preparedness, and student well-being. The initiative successfully addressed key concerns identified through the survey and provided teachers with essential knowledge, resources, and confidence to navigate the challenges of the post-pandemic education landscape.
Key Outcomes:
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Enhanced Awareness & Preparedness:
- Over 200 teachers from 10 schools were trained on COVID-19 safety protocols, mental health strategies, and hybrid learning techniques.
- Teachers gained clarity on government SOPs, classroom management with social distancing, and handling suspected COVID-19 cases. -
Improved Hygiene & Safety Standards:
- Schools implemented regular sanitization, proper mask usage, and social distancing measures as per the training guidelines.
- Teachers ensured better compliance with health protocols, reducing the risk of infection spread in schools. -
Mental Health Support for Teachers & Students:
- The training emphasized stress management and emotional well-being, benefiting 84.3% of teachers who identified students’ need for counselling.
- Teachers applied techniques learned in the program to help students transition back to offline learning with reduced anxiety. -
Stronger Hybrid Learning Capabilities:
- The program helped teachers adapt to online and offline teaching methods, improving learning continuity. -
Policy & Decision-Making Influence:
- The program’s success demonstrated the importance of teacher training in public health emergencies, encouraging similar initiatives in other districts.
Conclusion:
The COVID-19 Awareness Teachers’ Training Program by P. M. Shah Foundation effectively empowered educators to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment for students. By addressing hygiene, mental health, and hybrid learning challenges, the initiative strengthened school resilience and preparedness for future disruptions. This impactful program set a benchmark for teacher training in crisis management and contributed significantly to the safe reopening of schools in Pune district.
Online School Sanitation & Safe Drinking Water Initiative (Health, Hygiene Awareness program for Schools)
Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped the way education and health awareness are approached. Schools remain closed, but learning continues online & Offline. Recognizing the importance of health and hygiene in this new normal, the P.M. Shah Foundation has adapted its School Sanitation & Safe Drinking Water(Health, Hygiene Awareness program for Schools) program to an online format.
Under the School Sanitation Initiative, the following activities are conducted:
- Cleanliness Drive – Promoting hygiene and maintaining a clean school environment.
- Handwashing Awareness – Educating students on proper handwashing techniques & hand sanitising.
- Mask Making Workshop - Encouraged students to take an active role in health safety.
- Pledge Ceremony – Encouraging students to commit to cleanliness and hygiene.
- Lectures– Informative sessions by health and sanitation experts.
- Film Demonstration – Using visual media to educate about hygiene and sanitation.
- Drawing Competition – Encouraging creativity on the theme of hygiene and sanitation.
- Essay Competition – Inspiring students to express their thoughts on cleanliness and health.
- Street Play - Raising awareness through impactful performances.
- Interview with Sanitation Workers – Acknowledging and learning from their experiences.
- Quiz Competition – Enhancing knowledge through interactive learning.
- Prize Distribution – Recognizing and rewarding participants for their efforts
- Balanced Nutrition – Promoting a well-rounded diet for better health and well-being.
- Solid Waste Management – Zero Garbage & Recycling – Implementing sustainable waste management practices to achieve zero waste through efficient recycling.
Impact of the Online School Sanitation & Safe Drinking Water Initiative
The Online School Sanitation & Safe Drinking Water Initiative by P. M. Shah Foundation had a transformative impact on Health, Hygiene, and Sanitation awareness among students, teachers, and school communities. By adapting to an online format, the initiative ensured continuous learning and behavioral change despite pandemic-related school closures.
Key Outcomes:
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Improved Hygiene Awareness & Practices:
- Thousands of students were educated on handwashing techniques, personal hygiene, and sanitation best practices through interactive sessions.
- The Cleanliness Drive and Pledge Ceremony instilled a sense of responsibility towards maintaining a hygienic environment at home and in schools. -
Empowered Students Through Hands-On Activities:
- Mask-Making Workshops encouraged students to take an active role in health safety.
- Drawing, Essay, and Quiz Competitions helped reinforce learning in an engaging manner. -
Recognition & Respect for Sanitation Workers:
- Interviews with sanitation workers helped students appreciate the efforts of those maintaining hygiene in schools and communities. -
Community Engagement & Behavior Change:
- Street Plays & Film Demonstrations made hygiene education more impactful, ensuring knowledge was shared beyond the school premises.
- Prize Distribution motivated students to actively participate and apply what they learned. -
Promotion of Sustainable Practices:
- Solid Waste Management & Zero Garbage Initiatives encouraged recycling, waste segregation, and eco-friendly habits in schools and households.
- Balanced Nutrition Awareness educated students about the importance of a healthy diet for overall well-being.
Conclusion:
The Online School Sanitation & Safe Drinking Water Initiative successfully adapted to pandemic challenges while maintaining its core objective: ensuring a cleaner, healthier, and safer learning environment for children. By leveraging digital tools and interactive learning, the program not only educated but inspired action, creating a lasting impact on school hygiene culture and fostering a new generation of health-conscious students.
