Hygiene poverty can reduce student attendance
Every child deserves access to hygiene supplies. Hygiene poverty is defined as an inability to afford everyday hygiene products, such as shampoo, toilet paper, grooming products, dish soap, etc. While the root of hygiene poverty is the lack of access to basic toiletries, its effects are made much worse by “hygiene shaming”. If the shame a child feels because they can’t afford to be clean is not bad enough, the shame and distress piled on top by insensitive peers can have a terrible impact, not just on their ability to learn but on their entire mental wellbeing. Hardships can include:
- Inability to take a shower with shampoo, conditioner, and soap
- Using an old toothbrush or not having toothpaste
- Cleaning clothes less often (or with water only) due to lack of laundry detergent
- Fear of leaving home during your period because your makeshift solutions leak and could embarrass you
There is a never-ending need for these supplies, so set a goal that seems reasonable for your team.
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Soap
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Laundry detergent
- Hair products
- Feminine hygiene products
- Floss
- Face wash/acne cream
