CHAI developed a standardized Health and Hygiene Handbook to support the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) in promoting awareness and best practices among students, teachers, families, and communities. The launch of this handbook on the occasion of International Nurses Day recognizes and celebrates the tireless commitment of nurses and healthcare professionals who play a vital role in safeguarding community health and nurturing holistic wellbeing.

This initiative is a remarkable contribution towards emphasizing the critical importance of hygiene, preventive healthcare, and healthy lifestyles in the holistic development of children. As part of this initiative, expert contributors from various thematic areas, along with the CHAI internal team, collaborated to prepare comprehensive and practical content for the handbook.

Aligned with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), the handbook promotes holistic development by focusing on physical health, emotional wellbeing, nutritional awareness, environmental responsibility, and community participation. It encourages children to cultivate healthy habits, prevent illness, respect the dignity of labour, and respond responsibly during emergencies and disasters. These life skills foster discipline, empathy, resilience, and collective responsibility — qualities essential for building healthier communities and a stronger nation.

The handbook includes content on the following thematic areas:

1. Personal Hygiene Basics
2. Handwashing and Sanitation Practices
3. Oral Hygiene and Dental Care
4. Food Safety and Nutrition
5. Clean Drinking Water and Safe Storage
6. Menstrual Hygiene and Reproductive Health
7. Waste Management and Clean Surroundings
8. Prevention of Communicable Diseases
9. Healthy Habits for Mental Wellbeing
10. Emergency Healthcare and Disaster Preparedness
11. Environmental Hygiene
12. Respecting the Dignity of Labour in Cleanliness and Sanitation

This Health and Hygiene Handbook brings together essential concepts and practical approaches that help learners understand not only what healthy practices are important, but also why these habits matter in their daily lives. Covering twelve thematic areas, the handbook collectively promotes healthier environments, responsible behaviour, and stronger personal and community wellbeing.

Special care has been taken to ensure scientific accuracy, contextual relevance, age-appropriate understanding, and practical applicability while developing the handbook, making it a valuable resource for schools, educators, students, and families alike.

Under the visionary leadership and motivation of Sr. Dr. Helen Mary, the current Director General of Catholic Health Association of India (CHAI), and Fr. Mathew Abraham, former Director General of CHAI, this important initiative was conceptualized and brought forward to promote health, hygiene, and holistic wellbeing among school children and communities. Their commitment towards preventive healthcare, value-based education, and community empowerment has been instrumental in shaping and strengthening this meaningful endeavour.

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