News that clean water has reached every household in a village is always a source of great joy. However, that joy becomes even more meaningful when children and families begin to adopt clean and healthy living habits. After all, the ultimate purpose of access to clean water is not merely the provision of infrastructure, but a genuine improvement in quality of life.
One of Wahana Visi Indonesia’s (WVI) partner villages in Sintang Regency, West Kalimantan, now has access to clean water. This facility is the result of a collaboration between WVI and the village government. Construction was carried out in stages until it was finally completed. Today, clean water is available close to every household. But are children now accustomed to washing their hands with soap? Have community members stopped practising open defecation? Does every household have a toilet, and are they using it?
“I rarely used to wash my hands with soap,” admitted Veli (8), a young girl living in the village. At first, Veli was unsure whether the habit of washing hands could really help strengthen a person’s immune system.
She began changing her old habits after learning that many illnesses originate from germs carried on our hands. She realised that handwashing should not be seen simply as a rule to follow, but as a way of protecting one’s own health. Veli’s understanding grew through participating in enjoyable sessions on clean and healthy living practices.
“But now I always make sure to wash my hands with soap after coming home from outside activities or before eating. Maintaining this habit is the best way to care for myself and protect my health,” she said.
Today, Veli and the other children in her village are very familiar with handwashing with soap. What once felt like a new and unfamiliar practice has now become a normal part of daily life. The children also understand that this habit helps them stay healthy. Veli and her friends are happy and proud to have adopted a new routine that benefits their wellbeing.
When access to clean water is accompanied by positive behavioural change, children and families in the village can begin to experience real improvements in their quality of life. One important example is living in a cleaner and healthier environment, starting at home and within the community.
Author: Hotson Fiago (WASH BP Officer in Sintang Area Programme)
Editor: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)