In commemoration of Global Handwashing Day on Tuesday, Lifebuoy brought its newly launched ‘AI Teacher Hippo’ to life at Fred Magardie Primary School in Eersterust. Through fun, interactive activities led by ‘Hlubi the Happy Handwashing Hippo’, the local real-world ambassador of the AI-Teacher Hippo, pupils learned the importance of hand hygiene, marking a significant step in Lifebuoy’s mission to make hygiene education engaging and accessible to children.
Throughout the day, Hlubi the Happy Handwashing Hippo led pupils through immersive handwashing activities such as games, singing contents and a Happy Hands song. By bringing these digital elements to life in a real-world setting, the event helped children connect with the importance of hand hygiene in a more tangible way.
“Handwashing remains one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infection, especially among children. Through our initiatives, we’re reshaping how hygiene education is delivered, making it more engaging and impactful for young minds,” said Anele Nzimande-Maphanga, PR Lead for Beauty and Wellness at Unilever Southern Africa.
As part of its ongoing commitment to promoting hygiene education, Lifebuoy also built five permanent handwashing stations and replaced several taps around the school. These contributions will help ensure that the message of hand hygiene continues to spread throughout the school long after Global Handwashing Day, encouraging the pupils to incorporate healthy habits into their daily lives.
Lifebuoy’s content creator partners, including dancer and choreographer Bontle Modiselle, were also in attendance. Alongside Hlubi, Bontle taught the pupils the choreography to Lifebuoy’s Happy Hands song, further reinforcing the importance of hand hygiene.
The school principal commented, “Lifebuoy’s initiative has brought hygiene education to life for our pupils in a way that’s both engaging and meaningful. The interactive approach helped pupils connect with the importance of handwashing, and the resources provided will keep this vital message alive in our school long after the event.”
Reflecting on her involvement, Bontle Modiselle, Lifebuoy’s content creator partner, shared, “I’m so excited to be part of this campaign because as a mom, I know how important it is to teach our children good hygiene habits from a young age. Partnering with Lifebuoy on this initiative gives me the opportunity to not only educate my own little one but also help other parents understand how crucial handwashing is for our children’s health and wellbeing. At home, I’m making sure my little one washes their hands regularly, and thanks to fun tools like the AI Teacher Hippo, it’s becoming something she thoroughly enjoys!”
This year’s initiative builds on Lifebuoy’s highly successful ‘H for Handwashing’ movement, launched in 2020. In collaboration with local schools, teachers, health experts, and ministries of education and health, Lifebuoy has made significant strides in advocating for hand hygiene education to be integrated into school curricula worldwide. Since its inception, Lifebuoy has reached over 14 million children across 30,000 schools in key markets like South Africa, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, and Sri Lanka.
Discover more about this exciting initiative and join the handwashing revolution at https://hforhandwashing.lifebuoy.com/desktop?mkt=ZA
