29 Mar 2020

The Francistown Centre for the Deaf Education has joined the fight against COVID-19 by coming up with a simple foot-operated hand washing device called tippy-tap.

Francistown Centre for the Deaf Education teacher and task force member, Ms Tshoganetso Phetogo said after the outbreak of COVID-19, the

Ministry of Basic Education instructed all schools to come up with initiatives and measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

A news release from the Ministry of Basic Education in response to COVID-19 has instructed all national, regional, sub-regions and schools to establish task teams towards COVID-19 response for the purposes of coordination and effective implementation.

It further stated that points of entry and exit in schools and workplaces must have a point for washing hands with clean water and soap or sanitisers.

Ms Phetogo said in response the Francistown Centre for the Deaf Education formed a task force and came up with the tippy-tap idea.

She said the tippy-tap device has a foot pedal that manipulates the plastic bottle which then tips out water onto the user’s hands.

She said the positive aspect about the device was that it was affordable, easy to construct and also  uses little water and improves hygiene.

Another teacher and task force member, Mr Cain Ramakgati said people were inspired to use the system because there was no touching and users only used their feet.

He implored the community to practice good hygiene by frequently washing hands with clean water and soap and also to practice COVID-19 precautionary measures in place.

The task force said they had installed four systems in the school to avoid crowding and also to observe social distancing.

They further highlighted that they would continue with their initiative even after COVID-19 to enhance hygiene.

Meanwhile, Mr Ramakgati pleaded with parents to isolate their children and encourage them to stay home and study. ENDS