The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) hosted an interactive theatre production at Weber Gedenk Primary School in Jamestown on Monday 2 February.
The initiative is part of the annual educational programme presented by Municipal Health Services (MHS) unit. The play is performed by the Klein Libertas Theatre group at various schools across the district.
It aims to reinforce positive hygiene practices, cleanliness and environmental responsibility in children, through instructional interaction and storytelling.
Laughter and excitement filled the school hall as the Weber Gedenk learners enjoyed the interactive play, Shake’s Spaza Shop. The learners participated enthusiastically and were encouraged to apply what they had learned in their everyday lives, both at home and at school.
They were taught about the importance of hand-washing, how to handle food safely and proper waste management.
Theresa Davids, chief environmental health practitioner of the CWDM, said: “These practices aren’t new; they are things our children already know. However, it is our responsibility to constantly remind and educate them.”
Last year, district municipality’s MHS, together with their partners, hosted a series of workshops for spaza shop owners. The training conducted was to help small, but vital, businesses in communities follow the required standards, to keep their Certificate of Acceptability (COA) and shed light on issues surrounding food safety of products purchased at spaza shops.
During the workshops a range of topics was discussed, such as practising good hygiene, washing your hands regularly, and environmental responsibility. “Practising good hygiene, washing your hands and being environmentally responsible is not a one-sided issue,” a CWDM statement reads. “It is important for both adults and children to implement these practices.
“[The municipality] is committed to empowering our district with health education and training, with a touch of fun. That is how we build a healthier, safer Cape Winelands district!”
