After two years of living through the world’s most extended school closure, the Philippines finally reopens its public and private schools.
The resumption of in-person classes was prompted by the challenges brought about by the “digital divide,” or the gap between individuals and their access to digital tools such as the Internet and digital-enabled services and devices. The Philippines Digital Economy Report 2020 of the National Economic Development Authority and the World Bank highlighted that this unequal access to digital resources has affected poor-performing and marginalized students.
To bridge this gap, DepEd’s “Oplan Balik Eskwela 2022” engages partner agencies, organizations, and other stakeholders to facilitate a smooth and safe transition back to face-to-face classes.
Back-to-School-Ready with #SAFEWash
Helping to facilitate a successful nationwide school reopening, Safeguard partnered with DepEd and MWF to strengthen the minimum handwashing standards of schools across Metro Manila and other key areas nationwide through SAFEWash program.
Last August 17, this collaboration mounted a successful MWF & Safeguard Brigada Eskwela for the National Orthopedic Hospital School for Crippled Children (NOH SCC), where sinks and hand soaps were provided.
The program also complemented the donations with educational modules and a tutorial session for school staff to reinforce proper handwashing practice. P&G volunteers also participated to help refurbish the classrooms.
A Huge Step Towards a Safer Normal
To-date, Safeguard’s SAFEWash has already reached 200,000+ students and school staff nationwide.
Celebrating this huge step towards a Safer Normal, Vice President for P&G Beauty Care and Brand Operations, Aldrich Gopal, echoed the Brand’s vision to safeguard the nation’s health. “A huge thank you to our partners for helping make this happen. Together, we take this step towards a SAFER normal, directly impacting the lives of our schoolchildren and their families,” he said.
But while this continuing collaboration has already made great strides in ensuring health and hygiene in schools, the SAFEWash program is far from over.
More Helping Hands Needed
Since its launch in 2020, SAFEWash has been equipping schools win against germs and illnesses, as a support to DepEd’s WASH in Schools (WinS) program. WinS is DepEd’s three-star rating system for evaluating public schools’ over-all hygiene and sanitation, where the opportunity to create a culture of proper handwashing is strong.
The project’s goal to uplift the hand hygiene rating of schools all over the Philippines, can be only achieved through sustained help and support. With your continued patronage of Safeguard, we can work hand-in-hand toward a Safer Normal, where proper handwashing culture in schools is built and promoted. After all, safeguarding the students and school staff means safeguarding the future of the nation.
