Jeri

Jeri is a 15-year-old student in the eighth grade at Meskerem 16 Kindergarten and Primary School in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. She has attended this school since first grade. Jeri is the youngest of six children and her parents work in a government office.

“During my free time, I like to read novels and history books. In addition, I support my mother with house chores,” said Jeri.

Her favorite subject is biology — she likes learning about the ways living organisms behave and seeing how many human traits are shared with other creatures. She wants to be a scientist when she grows up.

“Before Splash, the bathroom always had an unpleasant smell and was uncomfortable to use. And there was a water shortage in the school compound; water was available a few days per week. Students were struggling, especially in lower grades,” Jeri shared.

Jeri is a member of the hygiene club. She enjoys teaching others about what she learned from the training and watching those students demonstrate what she has shown them.

“Training was provided by Splash about personal and environmental hygiene, water treatment, and, how to prevent hygiene-related illness. Songs and different fun activities were part of the training, which made it interesting and unforgettable!”

Jeri described how she benefited from the training: “After I got the training from Splash, I understood that there are many diseases caused by unhygienic behavior. The training helped me change my hygiene practices. Previously, I used to wash without soap. but now I understand the benefits of using soap. I have also taught my family members about the benefits of washing with soap, and now we all are using soaps for handwashing.”

As a hygiene ambassador, Jeri and her friends facilitate a weekly cleaning of the school and share hygiene messages during flag ceremonies. The hygiene club plans on disseminating hygiene messages to new students and guiding them in using the water facilities.

Jeri described the water filter system that she is most excited about. “I was so amazed when I learned about the water filter system. Without using any chemicals, it is amazing how the water filter purifies.”

“Thanks to Splash, we benefited from facilities and training. I hope all schools throughout the country that needs these facilities get this opportunity.”