CHENNAI: Telecom operator Aircel, in a mission to promote Union government’s Swachh Bharat Mission, launched the first of its ‘Swacch Vidyalaya’ in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Wednesday. “Working along with Rotary international, we are targeting on 50 non-aided Government schools in Chennai, Coimbatore and Puducherry for the construction of toilet blocks and requirements of toilet facilities,” Brinda Malhotra, head of corporate social responsibility at Aircel, said.
Of the 50 schools, 33 are in Chennai, 7 in Coimbatore and 10 in Puducherry. The schools will have clean and functional toilets replete with water facility and hand washes. This programme was launched on Wednesday in Model Government Secondary School in Saidapet and students have started using the toilets. Additionally, the toilets have been provided with soaps, hand washes and sanitary napkins.
“There was not sufficient water in many schools. So, borewells have been dug in some schools. This programme included educating students and their parents about health and hygiene,” Malhotra said. The programme is designed to address key aspects such as the construction of toilet blocks with equipment, advocacy and education to bring about behavioral change around sanitation and hygiene like promoting regular hand wash practice among children, parents and communities.
