Project HIYA! (Hygiene Intervention for the Young’s Aid)
Project Description:
The value of handwashing with soap to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) has been overemphasized during the outbreak. To prevent the contracting of COVID-19, the
government has repeatedly reminded Filipinos to exercise good personal hygiene, in addition to
wearing protective gear and maintaining physical distance.
Even before the pandemic, people are taught the importance of good hygiene. Hand washing is
one of the most essential aspects of good hygiene. Almost all of the everyday tasks are completed
with hands which is why it is important to develop the habit of handwashing.
As the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure. When it comes to young children, this is
especially true. Children who practice good hygiene have a better chance of achieving success in
their social and personal lives as they grow up. Children who live in unhygienic environments are
more likely to become ill and have social difficulties.
Global research shows that proper handwashing with soap will avoid nearly half of all diarrheal
diseases (47%) and (16%) of respiratory infections. This is particularly true in the Philippines,
where acute respiratory infections are the leading cause of death among children under the age
of five, while diarrhea is the third leading cause of death among children of the same age group.
Project HIYA!, led by the 1st Year Students from Polytechnic University of the Philippines, is a
program that aims to cater and educate the young children in Brgy. Rizal, Makati about the
importance of proper hygiene. The primary goal of this project is to reach out to unprivileged
area where children can have free access of hygiene kits. The project is categorized into two part:
(1) a seminar, and (2) distribution of hygiene kits. This form of community service is a
combination of direct and advocacy.
In partnership with their community, their mission is to elevate awareness on the importance of
having a proper hygiene among young children in Brgy. Rizal, Makati. They also envision a healthy
community and environment where children can practice good hygiene and where they can have
an opportunity to access hygiene kits for free.
The project team believe that proper hygiene would help kids stay safe, avoid illnesses, and
develop better self-awareness. While it is impossible to avoid and stop all germs, there is plenty
we can do to prepare children for life outside world. Educating children about good hygiene and
sanitation can have a positive impact not just at home, but also in the community. Instilling
healthy hygiene habits in children at a young age will reap long-term benefits.