On October 23, 2025, Mediatrix Development Foundation, under the Lafarge 2025 WASH Project in partnership with Lafarge Africa Plc, successfully conducted a one-day training and WASH Club establishment exercise at St. Paul’s Primary School, Akwa Ikot Effanga, Akpabuyo LGA, Cross River State. The initiative focused on promoting sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) practices within the school system while strengthening facility maintenance and management structures. The activity brought together 40 learners (20 male and 20 female), 10 female teachers, 4 male staff of Mediatrix Development Foundation, and 2 female staff of Lafarge, demonstrating strong collaborative engagement toward improved school health standards.

The WASH Club formation session was facilitated by the WASH Officer, who introduced learners to the concept and importance of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene in schools. Participants were educated on the fundamental right of every child to quality education, which includes access to portable water, improved sanitation facilities, and hygiene education that fosters lifelong healthy behaviors. Interactive discussions were held on key domains of hygiene promotion, including personal hygiene particularly handwashing with soap at critical times—safe management of excreta (including child excreta), safe water chain management, food hygiene, environmental hygiene (solid and liquid waste management), and menstrual hygiene management. These sessions encouraged peer-to-peer learning and active participation among students.

The WASH Club was formally established with 40 learners serving as pioneer members, cutting across various classes within the school. The structure of the club includes general members, an executive committee comprising a President, Vice President, Secretary, Public Relations Officer, and Treasurer, a designated Club Coordinator (a teacher with a health education background), and the School Head Teacher serving as Patron. The roles and responsibilities of each category were clearly outlined to ensure accountability, sustainability, and effective leadership within the club. This structure empowers learners to take ownership of hygiene promotion activities and to serve as ambassadors of sanitation within their school and community.

In addition to the club formation, school staff received practical training on facility maintenance and management. Sessions focused on proper upkeep of latrines and water facilities provided under the Lafarge 2025 WASH Project. Participants were also equipped with sanitation, hygiene, waste management, and cleaning materials to support effective maintenance. The outcomes of the activity were significant: increased awareness of sanitation and water safety practices, empowerment of learners to champion hygiene initiatives, and enhanced capacity of school staff to manage WASH facilities effectively.

The establishment of the WASH Club and the training of school personnel mark a critical step toward sustainable hygiene practices at St. Paul’s Primary School. Through this intervention, Mediatrix Development Foundation and Lafarge Africa Plc have strengthened the foundation for long-term behavioral change, improved health outcomes, and a cleaner, safer learning environment. The initiative not only benefits the school community but also contributes to broader public health improvements within Akwa Ikot Effanga and its surrounding communities.