When we think about what children need to succeed in school, books, teachers, and classrooms often come to mind first. But an often-overlooked foundation of learning is much simpler: access to safe water, clean toilets, and good hygiene practices.

Around the world, more than 850 million people lack reliable access to clean water, and over 2.5 billion live without adequate sanitation facilities. For children, this gap has serious consequences. Poor water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions contribute to illnesses such as diarrhea and worm infestations, which not only harm health but also impair learning and memory. In fact, about 75% of school absences are linked to illness, making WASH a critical educational issue, not just a health one. Handwashing is one of the easiest and most effective ways to stop the spread of disease, but schools often struggle to support this practice. Studies reveal that while most children wash their hands at home, fewer than half do so before eating in school. A major reason? Many avoid using school toilets altogether, describing them as dirty, smelly, or unsafe. This avoidance leads to health problems like constipation or urinary tract infections, and it prevents consistent handwashing after toilet use. Improving school WASH conditions goes beyond installing toilets and sinks. Research shows that the most effective interventions combine clean facilities with hygiene education, consistent access to soap or sanitizers, and clear routines.

This is where initiatives like Banega Swasth India comes into play, in partnership with Reckitt, Sesame Workshop India is making a difference. By turning hygiene education into something joyful, child-friendly, and memorable, the program empowers children to practice good habits in school every day. Through engaging tools like storybooks, 3D puzzles, and goofy loveable characters like Neela Jadugar and KK Kitanu, children learn why clean hands and safe toilets matter and more importantly, how they can lead the change in their schools and communities. Healthy habits start small, but their impact is powerful. By improving WASH conditions and fostering daily hygiene routines, Banega Swasth India is helping children stay healthy, attend school more regularly, and unlock their full potential as learners and leaders.