UNAIR NEWS – Students from Universitas Airlangga’s Belajar Bersama Komunitas (BBK) 7 program held the CEKAL initiative (Cegah Kuman Lewat Tangan / Prevent Germs Through Hands) as part of their Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS) and public health outreach program. The activity took place on Friday (Jan. 9, 2026) at SDN Bakalan, Bakalan Village, Gondang District, Mojokerto Regency, and was aimed at first- and second-grade elementary school students.
The CEKAL program was designed to strengthen students’ understanding of proper handwashing with soap and to encourage healthy habits as an early measure to prevent disease. The session was delivered in an interactive format, combining visual instruction with hands-on practice using gloves and colorful paint to help children better absorb the material.
Importance of cleanliness
A total of 53 students participated, consisting of 31 first graders and 22 second graders. BBK students guided the children to recognize the importance of hand hygiene, identify the right moments to wash their hands, and practice the six-step handwashing method recommended by the World Health Organization through simple simulations. Paint was used to represent germs and to highlight areas of the hands that are often overlooked during handwashing.
The program coordinator, Hanna Thahirah Sausan, said a practice-based approach was intentionally chosen to make the lessons more accessible. “Children learn more quickly when they are invited to play while learning. With visual media, they can directly see why soap matters and which parts of the hands need thorough cleaning,” she said.
Supporting SDG 3 and SDG 4
The activity contributes to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) through preventive and promotive health efforts focused on children, and to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing inclusive health education tailored to students’ developmental levels. The program also reflected collaboration among BBK students, school officials, teachers, and the local community.
Through the CEKAL initiative, students are expected not only to understand basic health concepts but also to develop regular handwashing habits at both school and home. The activity serves as a concrete step toward instilling clean and healthy behaviors from an early age, supporting long-term public health outcomes.
Author: Bakalan Village BBK 7 Group
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
