In 2023 we evaluated four Odisha schools to understand the impact of portable handwashing stations on students' hygiene and overall well-being. Each school was equipped with portable stations placed in high-traffic areas such as classrooms and corridors. Student leaders were pivotal in promoting handwashing among their peers, making hygiene a regular habit.

Key outcomes of the study include a significant improvement in hygiene behavior due to convenient locations and student involvement and increased handwashing behaviour sustainability. Students quickly adopted handwashing as a daily routine, and teachers observed fewer cases of illnesses like stomach infections and colds. Some of the key outcomes observed are:

1. Increased Student Participation: Student leaders were chosen to oversee the daily usage of handwashing stations. This peer-driven model proved incredibly successful in encouraging younger students to wash their hands regularly. With student leaders setting examples, hand hygiene became a norm in daily school life.

2. Behavioral Change: Teachers observed a significant shift in hygiene behavior among students. What began as a supervised task soon turned into a habit, with students independently washing their hands before meals and after restroom breaks. The transformation was visible—handwashing was no longer just a routine but a valued practice.

3. Hygiene as an observational behavior: In the schools we studied, student leaders modelled proper handwashing behavior, These peer leaders set examples for younger students by regularly using the handwashing stations, demonstrating proper handwashing techniques, and encouraging their classmates to follow suit. This peer-led approach helped internalize hand hygiene as a routine, turning it into a habit that no longer needed supervision. The results highlight the effectiveness of observational learning in driving lasting behavior change, not only for existing students but also for new admissions.

4. Well-maintained Stations: The stations were well-maintained, thanks to the collaborative efforts of students and teachers. They remained clean, fully stocked with soap, and were always functional—serving as a constant reminder of the importance of hygiene.

Among these insights we also came across a unique insight: Student leaders, especially those who are the elders in the family, took the habit of handwashing back home with them and started monitoring and reminding their younger siblings to wash hands at all critical moments. 

We have also realised that hygiene initiatives should not exist in isolation. To achieve better and more sustained outcomes, they must be integrated with other child-focused programs such as nutrition and education. By promoting handwashing, we can foster healthier, more engaged students and create lasting positive change in schools.

Here is an infographic that puts all our insights together. You can also read the whole evaluation by clicking on the link below!

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Happy Handwashing!