The Schools' Sanitation League Table, currently in its fourth edition, seeks to promote healthy sanitation and hygiene behaviours among schoolchildren.

A total of 73 schools across the district participated in this year's edition, up from 15 schools when the programme was first launched.

Mr Joseph Kwogyenga, the Zabzugu Area Programme Manager of World Vision Ghana, at the event, commended participating schools for their efforts in maintaining good hygiene and sanitation standards.
He said years ago, poor hygiene conditions were widespread in schools within the district, with several pupils often falling sick due to open defecation and lack of proper WASH facility usage.

"Some years ago, you would visit schools and despite the presence of WASH facilities, they were barely used. Human waste was common in the school environment, and the general health of pupils were poor," he said

Mr Kwogyenga said the situation prompted World Vision Ghana to collaborate with key stakeholders including the Zabzugu District Assembly, Ghana Education Service, and Ghana Health Service to develop a WASH league table to promote healthy competition among schools.

The criteria for the competition included availability and cleanliness of latrines, proper use of hand washing stations, and general hygiene practices.

Mr Kwogyenga said through the partnership, several schools had benefitted from improved WASH facilities provided by World Vision Ghana and the District Assembly.
"Our long-term aim is to improve WASH practices in schools to ensure healthier learning environment," he said.

Dagbabaani D/A Primary School came at the top of the league table in the Junior category while Gor-Kukani Roman Catholic JHS topped the Senior category.

All 73 participating schools received various sanitation and learning materials including hand washing kits, detergents, bleach, cutlasses, wheelbarrows, watering cans, gloves, rakes, and teaching and learning aids.

Mr Kwogyenga urged school authorities to put the items to good use.

Mr George Lakoba Tanie, the Zabzugu District Chief Executive commended World Vision Ghana for its unwavering commitment to promoting WASH in schools.
He said the support over the years had contributed significantly to improved health and better teaching and learning outcomes in the district.

Mr Alhassan Mumuni, the Headteacher of Dagbabaani D/A Primary School expressed excitement over his school's victory.
He encouraged other schools to work harder in subsequent competitions, saying "This is a great motivation. Let's keep the spirit of hygiene and healthy competition alive."

The event brought together relevant stakeholders in the education, health and local government sectors, school authorities, and pupils to celebrate the success of the WASH initiative and reaffirm their commitment to building cleaner, and healthier school environments across the district.