CLEAN HANDS AND SAFE FOOD: PROMOTING CHILDREN'S HEALTH

Abstract

Introduction: Promoting child health is essential for preventing common infectious diseases in early childhood, such as diarrhea and gastrointestinal infections. In communities with limited sanitation infrastructure, such as the surroundings of CMEI Padre Pedro Balzi, educational actions become even more relevant. Proper hand hygiene and food cleaning are simple yet effective measures to ensure children’s health and prevent illnesses. Objective: Raise awareness among children aged 3 to 5 about the importance of proper handwashing and food hygiene, using playful and educational activities to promote healthy habits and reduce foodborne infections. Methodology: This is a descriptive, observational study with an experience report, based on an educational intervention conducted in a school setting. Activities included theatrical performances, practical hygiene workshops, and the use of visual materials, with active participation from the children. The teach-back technique was employed to reinforce learning, allowing children to reproduce the knowledge acquired. Simple materials such as poster paint and improvised sinks were used to facilitate the practical demonstration of hygiene practices. Results and Discussion: The children showed great interest and engagement in the activities, clearly understanding the concepts presented. Dramatization, accessible language, and a playful approach proved effective in promoting learning and encouraging autonomy. The evaluation of the intervention indicated positive outcomes for both the children and the university students, who developed skills in communication, empathy, and community engagement. The school staff also responded positively, reinforcing the bond between the university and the community. Conclusion: The experience showed that simple interventions, when well planned and adapted to the children’s context, can generate significant impacts on health promotion. The project fulfilled its role of educating, preventing, and reinforcing self- care practices among children, while also contributing to the training of future health professionals committed to social realities.