On April 9, 2025, Pierre Thierry Noah Foundation brought together 19 enthusiastic children aged 9 to 14 for a dynamic and educational Hygiene and Healthcare Workshop. Held at the Youth Center Hall of the Nkoabang Parish, this full-day event was part of the Betta Place Project, an initiative dedicated to uplifting underprivileged children in rural areas through education and empowerment.
Why This Workshop Mattered
In communities where access to healthcare and reliable information is limited, hygiene and disease prevention become crucial life skills. The main objective of this workshop was to raise awareness among children about personal and environmental hygiene, as well as the prevention of common diseases like malaria, typhoid, and cholera. Through practical demonstrations, engaging discussions, and interactive games, the children not only learned valuable lessons — they also had fun doing it.
A Step-by-Step Journey of Learning
Personal Hygiene (11:30 AM – 12:20 PM)
The workshop kicked off with a lively hand-washing demonstration where every child got involved, followed by the distribution of hygiene kits. Each kit included essentials such as soap, a toothbrush and toothpaste, tissues, a nail clipper, snacks, and even mouthwash for the older children.
Next was a dental hygiene session, where the kids learned the correct way to brush their teeth — a vital step toward lifelong health. Their smiles said it all!
Disease Awareness and Prevention (12:20 PM – 1:00 PM)
With the help of colorful educational materials, the children explored how diseases like malaria, typhoid, and cholera are transmitted, recognized, and prevented. This session wasn’t just informative — it was also interactive. A fun Q&A activity allowed the children to test their knowledge while reinforcing what they had learned.
Environmental Hygiene (1:00 PM – 1:20 PM)
The focus then shifted to the importance of keeping one’s surroundings clean. Practical tips were shared, like washing fruits before eating and keeping surfaces tidy. The session concluded with a cleaning competition, where children were challenged to quickly and thoroughly clean a space — with a prize awarded to the most outstanding participant!
Celebrating Effort and Participation
Before wrapping up, the children were rewarded for their active participation. The youngest received slates, while older children were gifted pens — small but meaningful tokens of encouragement that acknowledged their dedication and enthusiasm throughout the day.
A Warm Ending
The workshop concluded in a spirit of community and gratitude. After a prayer and blessing from Father Rodrigue, children and their accompanying adults enjoyed a shared meal. A final group photo captured the joy and togetherness of the day.
Reflections and Impact
This workshop was more than just a series of lessons — it was a step toward building healthier habits, greater confidence, and a brighter future for every child who attended. The children were highly engaged, and their quick grasp of essential hygiene practices is proof of the power of hands-on, child-centered education.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with both children and adults expressing appreciation for the knowledge shared and the supportive, joyful atmosphere created.
Workshops like this remind us that with the right support, our future heroes can — and will — rise to meet their potential.
