Celebrating Excellence: Butuan Central Elementary School Achieves WinS Level 3
By ELLEN B. CUBILLAS
Master Teacher II/ Instructional Head
Butuan Central Elementary School
At Butuan Central Elementary School, we are thrilled to announce our recent achievement of reaching Level 3 in the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in Schools (WinS) program at both the division and regional levels. This milestone is a testament to the unwavering cooperation, dedication, and commitment of our entire school community – from our hardworking teachers and diligent pupils to our supportive stakeholders and partners.
The WinS program, under the Department of Education’s policy and guidelines, underscores the critical role that clean water, functional toilets, and proper hygiene practices play in achieving positive learning outcomes and improving school operations. Our journey towards this accolade has been driven by a comprehensive, school-based approach to promoting correct hygiene and sanitation practices through targeted education and the establishment of high standards for safe water supply and appropriate sanitation facilities.
Our success in the WinS program is anchored in six fundamental goals:
1. Prevent Hygiene-Related Diseases: By ensuring a clean and safe environment, we have significantly reduced the incidence of hygiene-related diseases among our pupils.
2. Promote Health-Seeking Behavior and Life Skills: Through our educational initiatives, students have learned the importance of personal hygiene and are equipped with life skills that promote lifelong health.
3. Improve Attendance and Participation: A healthy school environment has led to better attendance rates and active participation in school activities.
4. Enhance Learning and Thriving: Students are thriving academically and socially in a clean and safe environment, contributing to better learning outcomes.
5. Promote Gender Equality: We have provided facilities that cater to the needs of all students, thereby promoting gender equality and ensuring that every child’s right to health is upheld.
These achievements would not have been possible without the concerted efforts across five critical areas of the WinS program: water, sanitation, hygiene, and the engagement of both the school community and external stakeholders.
Water: We have ensured a reliable and safe water supply for drinking and cleaning purposes, which is fundamental to maintaining hygiene and health.
Sanitation: Our school boasts well-maintained, functional toilets that meet the needs of all students, contributing to a dignified and healthy learning environment.
Hygiene: Hygiene education has been integrated into our curriculum, emphasizing the importance of regular handwashing, proper waste disposal, and overall cleanliness.
Community Engagement: The active participation of our parents, local government units, and other community stakeholders has been vital in sustaining our hygiene and sanitation efforts. Their support in resources and encouragement has been invaluable.
School Commitment: Our teachers and administrative staff have demonstrated exemplary dedication by consistently implementing and monitoring our WinS initiatives. Their commitment has been instrumental in creating a culture of health and hygiene within our school.
As we celebrate this significant accomplishment, we recognize that our journey does not end here. We are committed to maintaining and further enhancing our WinS practices, ensuring that Butuan Central Elementary School remains a beacon of excellence in providing a healthy, safe, and conducive learning environment for all our students.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone involved in this remarkable achievement. Together, we will continue to strive for excellence, fostering a community where every child can learn, grow, and succeed in a healthy and supportive environment.
Mabuhay!
