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Media Release: GRDM Municipal Health Services celebrate Global Handwashing Day at Crèches in Borchards, Donating Supplies to Enhance Learning Environments

GRDM Municipal Health Services celebrate Global Handwashing Day at Crèches in Borchards, Donating Supplies to Enhance Learning Environments

On Monday, 14 October 2024, representatives including Councillors and officials from the Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Municipal Health and Disaster Management Units, visited two crèches in George as part of the municipality’s national celebration of Global Handwashing Day, observed today 15 October 2024, to promote hygiene awareness.

Visit to Kekkel and Kraai Crèche

At Kekkel and Kraai Crèche in Borchards, Johan Compion, Senior Manager for Municipal Health at GRDM, emphasised the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of illnesses. He underscored the need to instil good hygiene practices from an early age. Following his remarks, Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) from GRDM, conducted a practical demonstration teaching young learners a step-by-step approach to proper handwashing, while stressing the importance of regular and thorough hand cleaning.

During the event, Councillors Jobieth Hoogbaard, Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services and Chief Whip of the GRDM Council, Monique Simmers, accompanied by Councillor from George Municipality, MMC Melvin Roelfse, donated new mattresses to the crèche’s principal. These gifts are intended to improve comfort for both children and staff. Cllr Hoogbaard used the occasion to further highlight the broader significance of Global Handwashing Day, stating that the day serves as a reminder of the role that proper hand hygiene plays in preventing the spread of diseases.

Hoogbaard also praised the educators, saying that the role of teachers cannot be overstated in shaping the future of the community. The crèche’s principal, Jacoline Muller, expressed deep gratitude for the support, noting how these contributions would enhance the learning environment for the children in Borchards.

Visit to Paddavoetjies Crèche

The GRDM delegation continued their outreach at Paddavoetjies Crèche, also located in Borchards, where they were warmly welcomed by staff and learners in bright yellow crèche branded t-shirts. Compion reiterated the day’s message, focusing on the importance of hygiene education, particularly handwashing, in safeguarding public health.

Once again, the EHPs with a practical demonstration, engaging the young learners with a hands-on lesson on how to properly wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs.

In addition to the hygiene demonstrations, Councillors Hoogbaard, Simmers and Roelfse also handed over new mattresses to the crèche. Cllr Hoogbaard encouraged the educators to maintain overall cleanliness, noting that while handwashing is essential, keeping the entire environment hygienic is just as important.

The principal of Paddavoetjies Crèche also expressed her sincere thanks, stating that the new mattresses would significantly improve the daily experience for both the children and the staff.

The GRDM’s outreach and donation efforts, aligned with Global Handwashing Day, highlight the importance of supporting Early Childhood Development through both hygiene education and practical resources that enhance learning environments.

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ENDS