DHAKA: A project from Bangladesh won Civil Society Innovation Award-2016 sponsored by Australian government.

Save the Children’s innovation to improve hand-washing in schools uses environmental cues and nudges, said a press release on Monday (May 31).

It is more cost effective than hygiene communication programs and has shown positive results in changing and sustaining behavior change amongst school children, it added.

Anne Joselin, Deputy Director, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Section, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) of Australia presented the award.

The selection panel, four members of the conference committee, was impressed by the quality of submissions, as well as the time and effort dedicated by participants.

The purpose of this award is to highlight and showcase the innovative work of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs)/ Non-government Organisations (NGOs) in improving WASH service delivery and sustainability.

Among the 24 submissions, second place was awarded to Water for People, Uganda for demonstrating low cost solutions for sludge management.

Third runner up was from Cambodia as Wetlands Work came up with sanitation solutions for floating communities.

The winning intervention was piloted in 2 primary schools in Raiganj, Sirajganj with an aim to facilitate affordable hand washing practices.

Dedicated hand-washing stations were established having paths leading from latrine to hand washing station.

Hand washing stations have 2 salient features -- Stations were built at child height and Stations were located at convenient locations.

BDST: 1644 HRS, May 31, 2016
BD/RR