As part of the Integrated Village Development (IVD) Programme in Falai and Bashti villages of Augustyamuni block in Rudraprayag, a key area of focus has been improving Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices, especially in schools. This priority emerged from a baseline study that highlighted a significant gap in hygiene awareness and infrastructure in the villages of Rudraprayag district, directly impacting the health and well-being of children.

To address this, the programme team is actively working to create healthier environments through a mix of awareness activities and community-based solutions. One of the first steps in this journey took place on April 23, 2025, in Bashti Village, where two WASH workshops were conducted with 90 school students—30 from the primary school and 60 from the secondary school.

The workshops were designed to be engaging, informative, and age appropriate. The sessions began with introductions and simple icebreaker games to help students feel comfortable. This was followed by an open conversation using questions such as “How do germs look?” and “When should we wash our hands?” These questions helped spark curiosity and allowed students to express their understanding through drawings and storytelling.

The core part of the workshop focused on the importance of personal hygiene and regular handwashing, the safe use and storage of water, and the proper use of toilets both at home and in school.

Demonstrations on effective handwashing were followed by fun games like “Sabun Kahan Hai,” which helped students connect learning with everyday behaviour. A short question-and-answer session encouraged participation and helped reinforce the key messages of the day.

Teachers played a supportive role, actively participating in the sessions and highlighting the value of such activities. Many of them shared how WASH awareness in schools is essential for shaping long-term habits and emphasised the need for better hygiene facilities to ensure consistency.

The work in Bashti Village is just the beginning. As the programme continues, efforts will expand to more schools and households, strengthening the link between hygiene, education, infrastructure development, better livelihood opportunities, and natural resource management—ultimately improving the overall quality of life for the people.