Developing a Hygiene-Focused Colouring Book: An Innovative Educational Approach for Promoting Sanitation and Environmental Sustainability in Ghanaian Schools

This study aimed to develop a new method for a colouring book focusing on hygiene for schoolchildren in Ghana. This approach was designed to improve their understanding of hygiene practices and promote environmental sustainability. Insufficient sanitation has severe consequences, especially for  mpoverished communities, as it contributes to the spread of infectious diseases that disproportionately affect young individuals. According to the World Health Organisation, a staggering 600 million urban residents lack access to proper housing and basic sanitary services, including clean water and effective waste management. These challenging conditions primarily impact impoverished populations living in remot areas, making them invisible in terms of government assistance for sanitation and healthcare programmes. Inadequate waste disposal methods can lead to fatal infectious diseases like diarrhoea, cholera, tuberculosis, and dengue fever, particularly among young people. The study employed a studio-based approach to develop an educational colouring book. This book, a type of activity book, combines the creative engagement of colouring with instructional content. Its primary aim is to effectively teach children about the importance of sanitation and how to improve their hygiene practices. This colouring book serves as an interactive and enjoyable tool for children to learn about maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings, practising proper hand washing, and disposing of waste appropriately. By engaging children through pictures and activities, the colouring book successfully promotes good hygiene practices and helps prevent the transmission of diseases caused by inadequate sanitation