FCTA hails CSHEEH for Boosting School Health Education

By: Prudence Okonna

The Federal Capital Territory Administration has commended an Abuja-based non-governmental organisation, Centre for School Health, Education and Environmental Hygiene (CSHEEH), for its efforts towards improving health Education knowledge among students in the nation’s capital.

The FCT Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr Danlami Hayyo, gave the commendation during the 10th anniversary celebration of CSHEEH recently in Abuja.

Represented by the Director of Special Duties, Ramatu Ajuji-Habu, the Mandate Secretary commended the NGO’s efforts, adding that their impact has been felt across schools in the FCT owing to their efforts in the WASH sector.

He called for stronger collaboration between public institutions and NGOs in the education and health sectors, just as CSHEEH has been doing, adding that the Government cannot do it alone.

According to him, “This programme is very apt and timely. Teaching and learning start with the environment—cleanliness, student hygiene, and classroom arrangements. And what CSHEEH is doing touches all of that.”

Hayyo assured CSHEEH of the government’s continued support for impactful projects, especially in rural areas.

“We will see how the government can step in meaningfully to support CSHEEH’s work,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of CSHEEH, Dr Folashade Momoh, has called for more support to enable it to meet the needs of underprivileged students and communities.

She noted that the support would enable the organisation to continue to champion personal hygiene, school health education, and environmental sanitation across Nigeria.

Reflecting on the organisation’s journey, Dr Momoh described it as both exciting and challenging, noting that funding had remained a significant hurdle in achieving its goals.

“It’s been quite exciting and at the same time challenging. As an NGO, we desire to do so much, but because of the paucity of grants, we’ve not been able to start accessing grants, even though we’ve made a few attempts.

“So, most of the things we do is through the support from friends, family, and also from my resources,” she said.

She explained that CSHEEH had made notable strides in promoting sustainability through its health awareness campaigns.

According to her, the organisation focuses not just on giving health talks but on leaving a lasting impact behind.

“In orphanages and schools, we distribute hygiene kits containing ten essential items like soap, sponge, toothpaste, toothbrush, nail cutters, vaseline, and more.

“These kits are designed to ensure children continue good hygiene practices long after our visit,” she said.

The executive director noted that despite limited resources, CSHEEH had continued to make its mark through collaborations.

CSHEEH Board Chairperson, Grace Emoefe, expressed deep gratitude for the progress made over the past decade, driven primarily by personal sacrifices, commitment, and unwavering faith.

Emoefe described the milestone as a testament to grace and resilience.

“We started this just like a small family gathering. 10 years have passed so quickly, and everything we’ve achieved has been by God’s grace and personal effort.

“We go to schools where the toilets are in deplorable condition. She said that we’ve had to contribute from our pockets to build toilets, install wash basins, and provide basic items just so our outreach makes practical sense,” she said.

She said that despite its accomplishments, CSHEEH faced enormous challenges, especially in sustaining its operations.

“We employ staff and pay them out of our own pockets. “We are non-profit, non-political, and non-governmental.

Abuja Digest reports that a major highlight of the celebration is the unveiling of the 10th anniversary legacy project, which will involve the renovation of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in two schools each across the six area councils of the FCT.