Hidden in the heart of the Himalayas, Nepal has an unmatched natural beauty and cultural diversity. The landscapes vary from the infamous Mount Everest and Annapurna to the valleys and fields. Serving as symbols of the country’s rich spirituality, the sacred temples, stupas, and monasteries radiate calm and peaceful energy throughout the nation. However, 10.8 million Nepali people still do not have access to proper sanitation, severely threatening the country’s harmony.

Several factors impact sanitation in rural Nepal. For example, research has shown that unsafe drinking water, limited access to appropriate sanitation facilities, and insufficient hand washing have increased illness. Adding to the dilemma, many villagers cannot access or afford sanitary products, making washing hands much more difficult. However, the lack of knowledge plays the most significant role in the need for sanitation. Increasing the overall knowledge about the importance of sanitation can substantially change Nepal’s villages and decrease the number of deaths due to sickness. For this reason, I worked to create a workshop that taught underprivileged students the importance of maintaining proper hygiene to avoid illness. 

To take a step towards a solution, I visited a local school and taught students about hygiene in hopes of making a change in Nepal. Sathya Uddyhan, located in a village named Jolkhu, is a small school for impoverished kids who often face difficulties at home. As I visited the school, I found the children immensely sweet and loved learning. The students significantly touched my heart and motivated me to do what I could to help and teach them. The students ranged from ages 5 to 16, from homes facing several challenges. Like most kids, they enjoy playing outside and learning different subjects while creating memories with each other. However, children have a less developed immune system, often leading to acquiring illnesses at a faster rate. Since students at Sathya Uddyhan come from families that struggle to afford basic needs, most cannot receive health care to receive treatment or medications. Additionally, due to a lack of knowledge, the students’ lifestyles include minimal sanitation practices, such as brushing their teeth or washing their hands, putting them at even higher risk. However, proper sanitation can help prevent the spread of bacteria and help these kids focus on essential things such as education and having fun.

To combat the different root causes, providing knowledge and products was highly important in tackling the problem of lack of sanitation. Therefore, I created a workshop program to address both issues while making it interactive for the children. I remember first meeting the children and playing a Nepali version of ‘Duck, Duck, Goose,’ reminiscing about when I was their age and hoping my workshop would help them not worry and focus on learning and having fun. Through donations from family and friends, I created ‘Himalayan Health Kits,’ in which students of Sathya Uddyhan could receive individual sanitary products such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, a washcloth, and hand sanitizer. In addition, my workshop partnered with a local dentistry team to teach students about the importance of brushing their teeth. I learned about the students while teaching them how to wash their hands and use the Himalayan Health Kits properly through science experiments and demonstrations. Through a before-and-after survey, I evaluated what students already knew about sanitation and what they learned throughout the day. In the beginning, the students averaged 3 out of 7 questions correctly, leaving much room for growth. However, after the workshop, students correctly averaged 6.5 out of 7 questions, which showed significant improvement. By the end of the day, I found that students learned about basic hygiene, accomplishing my goal of spreading knowledge about the importance of sanitation. 

In conclusion, the lack of sanitation in Nepal remains a severe challenge to its people’s health and overall quality of life. However, despite these challenges, there is significant potential for change. Throughout my time at Sathya Uddyhan, I worked towards a solution to the problem and created awareness about the importance of sanitary practices. The progress made in raising awareness and educating the next generation about the importance of sanitation is a beacon of hope. By prioritizing hygiene, Nepal can pave the way for a healthier future, ensuring its people thrive in a cleaner and safer nation. So, join me in combating Nepal’s sanitation crisis and help make a change, one step at a time!

Works Cited

CDC. “About Global Sanitation.” Global Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), 22 Apr. 2024, www.cdc.gov/global-water-sanitation-hygiene/about/about-global-sanitation.html#:~:text=Proper%20sanitation%20facilities%20(such%20as.

UNICEF. “Hygiene.” Www.unicef.org, www.unicef.org/wash/hygiene#:~:text=Good%20hygiene%20is%20critical%20for.—. “Water and Sanitation (WASH).” Unicef.org, 2018, www.unicef.org/nepal/water-and-sanitation-wash.