Migrant Youth Learn About Hand Washing

With the increase of COVID-19 cases, hand washing is more important than ever. Studies have shown that proper hand washing and following the rules of food safety can significantly prevent the spread of diseases. To address this, the Pulaski County Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) Assistant collaborated with the Migrant Summer Camp to educate migrant youth on the importance of washing their hands.

Migrant Summer Camp is a weeklong summer school program coordinated by the Migrant District Coordinator for Pulaski County Schools. Each grade attended thirty-minute sessions daily for five consecutive days. The Nutrition Education Program Assistant read a book called “Germs, Germs, Germs” from the Literacy, Eating and Activity for Preschool/Primary curriculum (LEAP). After the story, the youth participated in a hand washing activity using Glo Germ powder, that glows under a UV black light, to show how well they had washed their hands. The youth learned the proper way to wash hands and the various times that it is important to wash hands. 

Thirty-eight youth, ranging from kindergarten to second grade, participated in the program. Data from pre and post survey showed amazing results that over half (84%) of the students showed improvement on knowing when to wash their hands.