Temwa organized a series of WASH awareness events, using football and netball tournaments to bring communities together and educate them about essential hygiene and sanitation practices. These events, held in the villages of Mlenda and Chikondi, attracted over 7,000 people. The primary goal was to address the cholera outbreak and encourage the use of water filters to ensure access to clean water. Community health workers were also present, offering health education and guidance to the attendees.
Among those in attendance was Grace Munthali, a 23-year-old from the village of Chikuwang’oma. Grace shared her thoughts on the event, explaining that while she had initially come to watch the football games, she found the WASH education valuable. She learned about the importance of maintaining proper sanitation facilities like latrines, bathrooms, and dish racks, which she has already started implementing in her household. Grace expressed her understanding of WASH practices and her ongoing efforts to build more facilities, such as a kitchen and waste pit, to protect her family from diseases like cholera and diarrhoea.
Grace also acknowledged Temwa’s efforts in promoting the use of water filters. Although she has yet to purchase one due to financial constraints, she recognizes its importance in ensuring clean drinking water, especially before the rainy season. The event emphasized the significance of such filters, which were highlighted as essential in preventing waterborne diseases.
The event was considered a success by both the organizers and participants. It was the first time that netball was included alongside football, which helped engage more women in the discussions about hygiene and sanitation. The tournaments and awareness sessions not only provided entertainment but also created a platform for critical health messaging. Participants were actively involved, with some even winning t-shirts and cash prizes for their teams.
Through these events, Temwa effectively raised community awareness about the importance of sanitation and hygiene, particularly in the context of preventing cholera. The presence of local health workers added credibility to the messages, and many attendees, like Grace, left with a renewed understanding of WASH practices and the importance of implementing them at home.
Grace’s story reflects the broader impact of the WASH program, which has already led to significant improvements in sanitation practices in the villages where Temwa operates. The event not only educated but also inspired attendees to take proactive steps in improving their living conditions and protecting their families from waterborne diseases.
Read more about the WASH project in our latest report here.