Raising Clean Hands: Call to Action for WASH in Schools Communications Strategy 2010

Water, sanitation and hygiene education in schools – a strategic approach known as WASH in Schools – provides safe drinking water, improved sanitation facilities and hygiene education encouraging the development of healthy behaviours for life. WASH in Schools helps fulfil children’s right to health and education and enjoys widespread recognition for its significant role in achieving the Millenium Developmnet Goals – particularly those related to universal access to primary education, reducing child mortality, improving environmental sustainability and promoting gender equality.
       
The Call to Action for WASH in Schools supports global efforts to make the vision shared by WH in Schools a reality: a world where all children go to school and all schools provide a safe, healthy and comfortable environment where children grow, learn and thrive.
       
Prioritizing investments in water, sanitation and hygiene education (WASH) within the health, education and water sectors, while improving access to quality education and preventive health measures, is the central objective of the Call to Action for WASH in School.
       
Communication is vital to achieving this objective. The overarching goal for the Call to Action communication strategy is to reach target audiences around the world and raise awareness about the key issues associated with WASH in Schools – education, health, the environment and climate change, social and economic development, and gender equality.

Contents:

1.    Background

2.    Awareness, Action, Acceleration: Central objective of the Call to Action

3.    Strategic Consideration

4.    Target Audiences for the Call to Action for WASH in Schools
4.1    Principal target audiences
4.2    Secondary target audiences
4.3    Other audiences

5.    Key Messages

Annexes: Call to Action for WASH in Schools Communications Activities.
1.    Call to Action for WASH in Schools Flagship Publication
2.    Website
3.    Media Relations
4.    Lobbying: Celebrities and high-level individuals
5.    Other Activities