Childhood development forms the foundation of a nation’s future, making pediatric wellness an essential aspect of community advancement. Poor hygiene remains one of the leading causes of communicable diseases among school-aged children, potentially affecting their health, nutritional status, growth, and school attendance. These challenges highlight the importance of introducing healthy habits early through structured and engaging health education.
To address these issues, CIMSA UNEJ initiated a sustainable program called POKEMON (Program for Kids through Education and Management on Nutrition). Besides emphasizing nutritional management, the program also highlights the importance of personal and environmental hygiene in preventing infections that may interfere with nutrient absorption and physical growth. As part of this initiative, an interactive educational intervention was conducted at SDN Karangrejo 05 for third-, fourth-, and fifth-grade students. These ages were specifically chosen because childhood represent a critical period for establishing lifelong healthy habits. The intervention focused on the theme: “Maintain Personal and Environmental Hygiene by Practicing the 7 Steps of Proper Handwashing.”
Through this activity, CIMSA UNEJ aimed to encourage healthy routines that support both individual well-being and a safer school environment. The educational materials emphasized three main points:
- The relationship between sanitation and health, especially how clean hands prevent germs from contaminating food.
- The proper 7-step handwashing technique to ensure all parts of the hands are cleaned effectively.
- Environmental responsibility by maintaining a clean school environment to reduce disease transmission.
To make the learning process engaging, our CIMSA members used interactive teaching methods instead of conventional lectures. Students participated in live demonstrations, guided practice sessions, educational song, and easy-to-remember mnemonics, allowing students to learn while actively practicing the skills being taught.
The activity was successfully implemented with enthusiastic participation from both students and teachers. Students actively engaged in every session and confidently demonstrated the proper handwashing technique during the practical activities. Teachers and school administrators also appreciated the activity and acknowledged its positive impact on students’ awareness of personal hygiene and health. Evaluation results showed an average post-test score of 91.88, indicating a good understanding of the educational materials delivered.
Through sustainable project POKEMON, CIMSA UNEJ continues to contribute to the development of healthier and more educated younger generations, one clean hand at a time.
