LOST, committed in its mission to support Lebanon’s most vulnerable communities through complex efforts, remains firm in its obligation to preserving the dignity and welfare of its people, collaborating closely with various stakeholders. Among these achievements, the WASH project made possible through the funding provided by UNICEF. This project has been a lifeline, supplying critical water, sanitation, and hygiene services to Syrian refugees residing in informal settlements since 2016.
One of the recent initiatives under the umbrella of the WASH project involved the commemoration of Global Handwashing Day. On the morning of October 13th, in an informal settlement situated in Ersal, LOST orchestrated an engaging and enlightening event that attracted the participation of over 100 children, aged between 5 and 12. Throughout the course of this event, these young participants, alongside our dedicated community volunteers, embarked on a journey of creativity and learning. They danced, sang songs, and enacted a play, all carefully designed to underscore the critical importance of good hygiene practices.
This event served as more than just an educational opportunity; it was a catalyst for transformation. It not only elevated awareness on handwashing and maintaining personal hygiene but also had a profoundly positive impact on the overall well-being and spirit of the children. In a setting where daily life can be particularly challenging and uncertain, events like these are essential for promotion happiness and boosting the mental and emotional resilience of these children. Maha, WASH officer in the project at LOST, and in charge of the health promotion component said “The LOST WASH team in Ersel worked hard for weeks to prepare for this event and ensure that is delivers the intended message behind it”. She added “this event attracted the participation of a group community volunteers calling themselves “Narsom Bassma” in coordination with the LOST community mobilizer”. “Narsom Bassma”, directly translates to “drawing a smile”, is a group of young Syrian and Lebanese volunteers who implement events in the different ITSs in Ersal to spread happiness and joy among children and youth. Omar, 11 years old, participated in one of the plays said “I want every child to be healthy and clean like me, that is why I insisted on my role in the play”. Assia, 12 years old, said “for the past 3 months, I participated in similar events because I want children to be happy”. She added “I memorized these songs and sang them to children like me because I don’t want them to have germs on their hands that would harm them”.
In the contemporary world, characterized by remarkable technological advancements and cutting-edge breakthroughs in healthcare, it is easy to overlook one of the most effective tools for promoting public health – the simple act of washing our hands. Global Handwashing Day, observed annually on October 15th, serves as a poignant reminder of the profound influence that hand hygiene has on our health and well-being.
In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, handwashing emerged as an essential practice in the preventive measures necessary to safeguard individuals from the virus. It underscored that the act of handwashing, a seemingly trivial gesture, could bear monumental consequences for public health. Furthermore, beyond the context of the pandemic, regular handwashing remains a critical and universally accessible strategy to prevent the spread of various diseases, especially in areas characterized by vulnerability and heightened risk.
In Lebanon, a nation grappling with a deteriorating economy and weakening sectoral capacities, it becomes of paramount importance to institute comprehensive measures that mitigate risks for the already vulnerable communities, encompassing both Lebanese Host Communities and Syrian Refugees. In these challenging times, the significance of handwashing and the promotion of good hygiene practices extends beyond health. It is about upholding the dignity, resilience, and the overall well-being of these communities, fostering a sense of hope and vitality in the face of adversity.
