Global Handwashing Day: How Easy Water for Everyone Is Transforming Hygiene in Schools Across Africa

Every year on October 15, the world observes Global Handwashing Day to highlight one simple yet life-saving truth: clean hands save lives. Handwashing with soap is one of the most effective ways to prevent diarrheal and respiratory diseases, yet millions of children in Africa still lack access to clean water and proper hygiene facilities.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, around 2.2 billion people globally lack safely managed drinking water services. In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 40% of schools still have no basic handwashing facilities. Without clean water, hygiene lessons remain theory, and children’s health and education suffer as a result.

Here at Easy Water for Everyone (EWfE), we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to thrive in a healthy learning environment. Our Gravity Water Filtration Stations, built with 0.003-micron membranes, remove bacteria, viruses, and pathogens from contaminated water, providing clean, safe, and reliable water to some of the hardest-to-reach schools and communities in Africa.

In addition to our filtration technology, we conduct regular hygiene advocacy campaigns in schools within our beneficiary villages. These initiatives teach children the importance of proper handwashing and help instill lifelong hygiene habits. Teachers in schools like Pediatorkorpe Basic and Alorkpem have witnessed healthier pupils, fewer absences, and renewed enthusiasm in classrooms.

This year’s Global Handwashing Day theme, “Be a Handwashing Hero,” calls on everyone, from children to parents, teachers to health workers, to take small yet powerful actions to protect their health and the well-being of others.

Together, we’re proving that when clean water flows, good health follows.

Join us in spreading the impact. Partner with us to bring clean water and better hygiene to every child, one village at a time.