Harpic, a leading brand in the lavatory care category, has launched a special kit based on the ‘Sanitation Hygiene Education Framework’ in collaboration with Sesame Workshop India Trust. The aim of this unique kit is to enhance awareness and cultivate healthy toilet habits in young children, thereby instilling in them the importance of “sanitation for good health”.
The innovative ‘Swoosh Germs Away!’ kit has been designed in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP, 2020) and National Curriculum Framework (2022) to support Harpic’s Mission Swachhta aur Paani campaign.
As part of the program, Harpic and Sesame Workshop India Trust will distribute kits to 17 lakh children in the Ashramshalas of Puri, Odisha. These kits, featuring 3D pop-up books, 3D jigsaw puzzles, and an activity booklet, will be presented with the help of Sesame’s beloved characters Elmo, Chamki, Neela Jaadugar, and KK Kitanu. The initiative is part of Harpic’s mission to ensure “safer toilets for all” and will provide the children with the knowledge to become young ambassadors who understand the importance of cleanliness and hygiene. In addition, they will be encouraged to take the pledge to keep toilets clean for the next person, with the opportunity to be recognised as ‘Swachhta Champions’.
The kit is specially designed to transcend language barrier and promote positive behaviour among school children through the power of storytelling. Sesame Workshop’s colourful and furry muppet characters are loved by children and applauded globally, for championing ways of addressing the critical issues concerning children. The curriculum developed for the program is aimed at fostering a love for storytelling while encouraging positive values and behaviours. In line with the objective of Harpic Mission Swachhta aur Paani campaign, the framework is based on 3 key pillars – access, usage and maintenance, and focuses on spreading the message of: having a safe toile -a right, using a safe toilet- a habit, and driving behaviour change – maintaining it safe.
Gaurav Jain, Executive Vice President, Reckitt – South Asia, said, “Through Harpic’s partnership with Sesame Workshop India Trust, we are ensuring that children dive deep into the nuances of appreciable social behaviour and positive sanitation.”
Rahul Joshi, Managing Director at Network 18, said, “ The unveiling of the Sanitation Curriculum by the Hon’able President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, is a pivotal moment in our ‘Mission Swachhta Aur Paani’ journey and our quest for a cleaner and healthier Bharat. By educating our young generation about the importance of proper sanitation and hygiene, we are not only improving their lives but also laying the foundation for a more prosperous and sustainable future for our nation.”
Sonali Khan, Managing Trustee, Sesame Workshop India Trust, said, “We believe that when children start early on the journey of hygiene and toilet practices, they become “Swachhta Champions” for life. We are excited as we take our partnership with Mission Swachhta aur Paani initiative forward with the launch of the ‘Swoosh Germs Away!’ kit in line with our ‘Sanitation Hygiene Education Framework’. The tools for children are easy, engaging and most importantly fun. They teach kids essential hygiene practices like cleaning the toilet and not making germs seem scary, but rather teaching them how to keep themselves safe by pooping in the right spot and flushing afterwards.”
