By Ernest Nutsugah
Accra, Sept 12, GNA – Parents and guardians have been urged to inculcate good personal hygiene practices in their children and wards as they develop through the various stages of life.
Ms Mercy Ama Boahemaa, a Senior Nursing Officer, made the call during a sensitisation session for children at the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC) Seekers Temple at Agbobga-Ashongman in Accra.
The session, organised by Rise and Bloom Foundation, in collaboration with the Children Ministry of the Church, highlighted oral hygiene, proper and regular handwashing, and other healthy living practices for children and teenagers.
Ms Boahemaa, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, emphasised routine brushing of teeth twice daily, keeping fingernails clean and trimmed, proper use of personal care items, as well as menstrual hygiene for adolescents.
She noted that good dental care and related hygienic practices boosted confidence and contributed to the overall development of young people, and that guardians should continue providing the needed logistics and support for children.
“Practicing personal hygiene is not a punishment; when children are able to take good care of themselves it helps the parents or guardians to focus on other responsibilities…,” she said.
“Children have delicate bodies so we encourage parents and guardians to start teaching and helping them to practice personal hygiene as early as possible, especially those they cannot do themselves.”
The children made a personal hygiene pledge and were provided kits including hand sanitizer, tooth brush, toothpaste, pocket tissue, notepad, and complementary writing and learning materials.
Ms Linda Owusu-Sekyere, a Director of Rise and Bloom Foundation, said the engagement formed part of the organisation’s social responsibility as it planned to embark on other community development initiatives.
She commended ICGC for supporting the initiative as the organisation collaborated with stakeholders on future projects.
Ms Renny Lartey, a Co-Founder, said the maiden session would complement the effort of parents and teachers, and urged the children to share the knowledge acquired at home and in school.
“We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to grow well, learn well and become the very best person God has created them to be… Every adult was once a child and sometimes, there were important things we wish someone had taught us when we were younger,” she said.
Rise and Bloom Foundation aims to enhance the lives of women, children, youth, and vulnerable persons by providing access to education, mentorship, empowerment, and promoting inclusion and self-reliance.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Writer’s email: [email protected]