Hygiene is important in Ethiopia. Sanitation facilities can be scarce and soap is expensive for many families. Like anywhere in the world, if basic sanitation is not cared for, it can lead to the swift spread of bacteria, causing illness.

At the Kindu Trust, we teach children the importance of hand washing, especially after using the toilet, and before handling food or eating.

Sandra Kemp, a nurse from Leicester, runs a project to improve hygiene practice at the nearby Gondar Hospital and is a long-time supporter of the Kindu Trust. She took time off from this vital work to visit Kindu this year bearing pencils, pens and paints. 27 children, mainly from grades 6 and 7 (aged 12-14) were eagerly awaiting her, sheets of paper at the ready.

After a brief reminder of the importance of hand washing, the children were asked to draw or paint something to illustrate hygiene. To provide some inspiration, volunteer Alan posed while Projects Manger Rory sketched his hands being washed under a running tap on the whiteboard.

Several of the children made similar drawings, but others used the opportunity to indulge their creativity. Silence reigned and at the end of the afternoon we had friendly lions, a number of beautifully executed flowers, several houses, and scenes of social interaction.

The project team in Gondar are planning to visit local schools to help them spread the message of good hygiene as well as getting creative with paint and crayons!