On July 1st, 2025, the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) successfully hosted the Dettol Hygiene Quest (DHQ) Ambassador Induction Workshop for schools in Offa and Oyun Local Government Areas (LGAs), Kwara State. Held as part of the broader DHQ initiative in partnership with Reckitt, this milestone event marked the first ambassadorial workshop in the state and underscored WBFA’s unwavering commitment to youth-led hygiene advocacy.
The DHQ program is a comprehensive hygiene education campaign designed to improve health outcomes in schools, communities, and healthcare facilities. By promoting awareness, handwashing habits, and safe hygiene practices, the program aims to create a culture of cleanliness and wellness. Central to this mission is the training and induction of DHQ Ambassadors—students and teachers tasked with leading Hygiene Quest Clubs in their schools.
A Collaborative Launch
The event brought together 167 participants, including 105 students, 50 teachers, and 12 stakeholders from key educational and development bodies such as the Kwara State Ministry of Education, SUBEB, UNESCO, and local Education Secretaries. The workshop opened with a warm welcome by WBFA Programs Officer Ms. Zainab Jimoh, followed by a keynote address delivered on behalf of WBFA’s Director of Programs by Mr. Kehinde Akinsola, National Programs Lead.
Mr. Akinsola emphasised the program’s goal of creating “lasting behavioural change” and highlighted the important role of DHQ Ambassadors in sustaining hygiene education. Gratitude was extended to Reckitt and institutional partners for their ongoing support.
Strengthening Hygiene Leadership
The workshop featured two intensive sessions:
- Curriculum Refresher: Led by WBFA Nurse Educators Ms. Roseline Chukwu and Mrs. Lawal, this session covered key DHQ topics, including germs, cleanliness, and personal/environmental hygiene. It also included a live handwashing demonstration.
- DHQ Club Implementation: Mr. Akinsola guided students and teachers through the responsibilities of club leadership, including roles for Presidents, Vice Presidents, Secretaries, Treasurers, and Health Monitors. He also introduced innovative ideas, such as the “Cleanest Class Competition” and the “Most Hygienic Student” awards, to promote engagement.
Practical Collaboration
A breakout session enabled participants to develop customised strategies for launching DHQ Clubs in their schools. Group presentations showcased thoughtful models that emphasised awareness, curriculum integration, peer motivation, and structured evaluation.
The program also featured a spelling bee competition for both primary and secondary school ambassadors. Winners from each LGA proudly emerged to represent their schools at the upcoming state-level contest in Ilorin.
Ambassador Induction and Recognition
A formal induction ceremony welcomed the new DHQ Ambassadors into their roles, culminating in an official oath-taking led by Mr. Akinsola. Certificates and DHQ-branded Veronica Buckets filled with hygiene supplies were distributed to participating schools. Spelling bee champions received special prizes in recognition of their excellence.
Reflections and Path Forward
During the closing feedback session, teachers praised the workshop’s design, impact, and long-term vision. They pledged continued commitment to growing their DHQ Clubs and fostering student leadership in hygiene promotion.
WBFA’s National Programs Manager closed the event with words of appreciation, encouraging ongoing collaboration via dedicated WhatsApp groups—now recognised as an effective tool for engagement and sustainability monitoring.
Looking Ahead
With preparations underway to extend the program to additional LGAs, including Irepodun, Ilorin West, Ifelodun, and Asa, the future of the DHQ initiative in Kwara is brighter than ever. Through education, empowerment, and partnership, WBFA and Reckitt are laying the groundwork for healthier schools—and healthier futures.
Together, we are transforming hygiene education into a movement—one ambassador at a time.