'''Countries:''' Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia, Loa Lao PDR
'''===Strengthening the evidence of Group handwashing in schools''' '''Key message: '''WinS improvements are possible if simple, step-wise approaches are used and all stakeholders work together effectively===
Access to WASH in Schools (WinS) is a critical factor to promote school attendance, learning and health of children. The Fit for School (FIT) approach is an example of a WinS initiative, which aims to turn the school environment into a healthy setting by establishing a culture of cleanliness, hygiene and good maintenance. The approach stimulates healthy hygiene habits through the institutionalization of handwashing with soap and tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste as daily school-based group activities. This requires effective collaboration between schools, local communities, Ministries of Education (MoEs) and other partners based on clear and transparent agreements.
Starting the WinS journey and experiencing that school communities can make a difference is most important: WASH in Schools is everyone’s business.
===Sustainability Criteria==='''Key lessons of the story:''' WinS improvements are possible if simple, step-wise approaches are used and all stakeholders work together effectively.
Promote Health and Hygiene Effectively: Daily group hygiene activities improve ===Contribution to the broader culture of cleanlinessSuSanA sustainability criteria===
Technically appropriate including operations '''Promote Health and maintenanceHygiene Effectively: Parents and community members have an important role in advocating for WinS and keeping schools clean''' Daily group hygiene activities improve the broader culture of cleanliness
'''Green Box / SummaryTechnically appropriate including operations and maintenance:'''Parents and community members have an important role in advocating for WinS and keeping schools clean
'''Green Box / Summary:''' The Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH) and the German Organization for International Cooperation (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit; GIZ) have partnered to implement a school health programme in Southeast Asia based on the awarded Fit for School Approach. The approach aims to improve school environments and to integrate simple interventions, such as daily group hand washing, tooth brushing and bi-annual deworming into the school routine. The Fit for School Approach is implemented in elementary schools and in some countries also in day-care centres.
===Project details===
'''Type of project: ''' School-based programme
'''Project period: ''' November 2011 to November 2018
'''Start of operation: ''' November 2011
===Contact===
'''Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Regional Center for Educational Innovation and Technology (SEAMEO INNOTECH)'''
Bella Monse