Behind the posh facade of the capital city is the contrasting world of resettlement colonies.

In these congested back lanes, families survive mainly on daily wages.

Garbage lies in huge uncollected piles and open defecation is usually the only option.

This is compounded by open drains, no proper electricity or sewage lines and a severe water crisis.

For children at school, especially in the summer, drinking water becomes a problem and water-related diseases are common.

Across 10 selected schools, principals echoed these problems…

teachers talked about the need for greater hygiene awareness…

and consultations were held with the School Management Committees on a possible solution.

Borewells were dug in each school that were connected to a see-saw pump.

The idea is to use the energy generated by the children’s play to pump the water to overhead tanks.

The water passes through a Ultra filtration system and then into a water cooler. Water tests ensured that it was of safe quality to drink.

The simple cleaning techniques were demonstrated to the teachers.

While the ‘cool’ water is a hit with the students, earlier source tasted better.

Apart from the taste factor, there were child safety issues with the see- saw pump and rampant vandalism in these areas. Many schools have now connected the filtration system directly to their old water connections and moved them inside.

In a few schools, the ‘incinerator’ concept was also piloted in the girls toilets.

At the same time, 10-member student health clubs formed in each school are helping build knowledge on sanitation issues…

spreading basic tips on hand washing and school cleanliness

and even taking this knowledge home to their families and communities.

The activities are not limited to school alone. Community women and youth groups are working to discuss local issues and find solutions.

Children’s media clubs are playing an active role in identifying and reporting on problems in their areas; even succeeding in slowly changing mindsets.

And child-friendly centres equipped with games and learning material are helping reach out even to those who don’t attend school.

With visible improvements being noted in their hygiene, children are clearly acting as the ‘agents of changes’; prompting behavioural transformations in the wider community.

Produced for: Plan India Produced by: Safer World Communications, Photographs: Sarika Gulati