> Project Title: Effects of Poor Sanitation on Community Health ______________________________________ > Objectives - To identify health risks caused by poor sanitation. - To create awareness on hygiene practices. - To reduce disease outbreaks through practical solutions. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vafv5LA3QxRs0OgOp347 ______________________________________ > Stage 1: Problem Identification Statement of Problem: Poor sanitation is a major health concern in many communities. People are affected by diseases such as cholera and typhoid due to unclean environments and improper waste disposal. This problem is especially common in densely populated areas and schools without proper hygiene infrastructure. Statement of Intent: I aim to solve this problem by designing a hygiene improvement project that encourages regular handwashing, proper waste disposal, and personal cleanliness through posters and demonstration activities. Design Specifications: The project will include educational posters, a small demonstration handwashing station, and a clean-up campaign toolkit. Materials needed include cardboard, markers, soap, buckets, and water containers. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vafv5LA3QxRs0OgOp347 ______________________________________ > Stage 2: Investigation of Related Ideas 1. Campaigns in Zimbabwe by UNICEF promoting handwashing - Successful in reducing diarrhoea cases by 40%. Strength: Engaging. Weakness: Limited reach. 2. School programs in Kenya installing tippy taps - Effective, low-cost. Strength: Affordable. Weakness: Need maintenance. 3. Community clean-up programs in South Africa - Improved waste management. Strength: Involves locals. Weakness: Requires coordination. 4. Hygiene education in schools (India) - Taught students proper habits. Strength: Long-term effect. Weakness: Needs teacher involvement. These solutions were useful but had limitations in sustainability, cost, and awareness levels. > Stage 3: Generation of Ideas 1. Adopt UNICEF's handwashing campaign locally with new posters. Strength: Proven model. Weakness: Depends on awareness. 2. Modify the tippy tap idea using recycled materials. Strength: Cheap and eco-friendly. Weakness:3. Create hygiene education skits at assembly. Strength: Fun and memorable. Weakness: Needs rehearsals. 4. Develop a reward-based hygiene program. Strength: Encourages habits. Weakness: Requires prizes. These ideas use strengths of past solutions while addressing weaknesses by involving students and using available resources. > Stage 4: Development of Selected Idea Chosen Solution: Modified Tippy Tap with hygiene posters. Why Chosen: It's low-cost, practical, and educational. Easily used in any school or home. Materials: Plastic bottles, sticks, string, soap, markers, and cardboard. Process: 1. Gather recycled bottles and create foot-pump handwashing stations. 2. Design and draw posters on hygiene rules. 3. Set up the station near the school toilets. 4. Teach students how to use it. Needs setup. Photos and sketches will be taken to demonstrate progress. > Stage 5: Presentation of Results 1. The tippy tap and posters were installed at the school toilets. 2. Students started using them before meals and after using toilets. 3. Teachers reported a noticeable reduction in stomach complaints. 4. A small survey among students showed increased hygiene knowledge. The project was practically effective and visibly impactful. > Stage 6: Evaluation and Recommendations Evaluation: Challenges included difficulty sourcing clean water and vandalism of the setup. These were solved by using community boreholes and putting up signs to protect the tippy tap. Recommendations: - Future projects could include water purification.