Sesame Workshop India, the Indian arm of global educational non-profit Sesame Workshop, and Planet Water Foundation joining hands to reinforce the life-saving habit of handwashing. Sesame Workshop India has been working to meet the developmental needs of young children in India for over 15 years. As schools reopen and the number of COVID-19 cases drop, it is important for children and caregivers not to let their guard down and continue the safer practices like hand-washing, wearing masks and social distancing.

Spotlighting the awareness on hand-hygiene especially amongst young children and their families, Global Handwashing Day serves as a critical reminder to people in India and beyond as an effective means to prevent life threatening diseases.

A special song Chhapa Chhap is being released featuring children’s favourite muppetsElmo, Cookie Monster and Abby with the message of handwashing using soap.

Planet Water Foundation is supporting Sesame Workshop India to amplify handwashing videos, e-books, and posters which have been developed as part of a global initiative, Caring for each other.

To encourage children to adopt these healthy behaviours, Sesame Workshop India has also reached out to social media influencers popular amongst children and caregivers with the intention of making handwashing a safe and cool behaviour.

Kristen Steele, Vice President, Education and originator of Planet Water Foundation’s water-health and hygiene education materials and school implementation platform said, “Handwashing is a cost-effective, healthy hygiene habit that can prevent many diseases amongst people and save lives.

While the pandemic has led to an increase in the levels of awareness about handwashing, we aim to continue to emphasize upon the sustenance of this hygiene behaviour.”