Health and Hygiene Classes Cambodian Style.
on Mary In Cambodia (Cambodia), 13/Jun/2010 10:42, 34 days ago
Health and Hygiene classes.Health and hygiene is taught in primary schools everywhere. As my colleague Gen and I had not seen it taught here in Cambodia we did a little investigating and found a programme, which had conveniently been translated in to English. The title‘TALKING–IT’ (not grit, though still found at the bottom of a bird cage!) was a little off-putting, but we decided to take a chance, after the V.A.s assured us the Khmer version was suitable for children.  We really are very lucky to have translators who have never heard of a trade union! Miming how to use a squat toilet in front of 90 children is not in the job description! They did it with style, and the kids thought it was hilarious. Joe and Vomit (yes that’s his name) are far more than just translators, they teach, sing, dance, make posters, play games, and now we discovered they’re mime artists also. All this is done with incredible enthusiasm and good humour.       They taught a catchy little action song about clean toilet habits. Translated into English the words are revolting, we’re assured they are acceptable in Khmer. The germ hand shake, using talc was very successful, the children loved passing on the‘germs’. Learning through miming and having fun is new to these children. They are so well behaved it’s a pleasure for us to work with them.We stressed the importance of hand washing to keep healthy.        As high quantities of sugar are consumed here, in the form of sugarcane juice, we did a little about oral hygiene.      We finished the class with hand washing, showing how grease does not come off unless you use soap. Then we had some fruit and a little bag of‘goodies’ for every child. All those tooth brushes, soaps and combs that friends and family members saved from hotel stays were much appreciated.We had a very enjoyable morning; I hope the children enjoyed it as much as I did. Then it was back to‘star bucks’ for iced coffee and to give each other a little clap on the back for a job well done. Unfortunately it will soon be time for Gen to return to England, we are a good team, we did some good work together, had fun doing it and cheered each other up on bad days. I’m really going to miss her.