Youngsters on the East Rand are learning the ABCs of handwashing through a partnership between their preschools and Medirite.

The chain of pharmacies located in Shoprite and Checkers stores, Medirite Pharmacy recently donated hand washing kits to ten East Rand schools. Apart from hand sanitiser, the kits for the learners also contain soap, face masks (for the learner and their primary caregiver) and wipes. Their schools received sanitising stands and soap. Medirite Pharmacy also commissioned the production of an infotainment video about safety measures against Covid-19, which is being shown at the schools.

“Regular hand washing is an essential weapon in the fight against Covid-19, and therefore we have decided to equip these youngsters and their schools with the essentials needed to encourage this potentially life-saving habit,” says Jaco Engelbrecht, General Manager of Medirite Pharmacy.

“The video is a great, age-appropriate tool for us to educate our learners about the correct method and importance of washing their hands. This pandemic is not over yet and we cannot afford to become complacent, so we are very grateful to Medirite Pharmacy for equipping us and our learners in this way,” says Constance Yose, principle of Seronhla Daycare Centre, one of the beneficiary schools.

The schools are among the 109 early childhood development centres across South Africa supported by the Shoprite Group through teacher training, building renovations and meals for the learners. During the lockdown the Group ensured that the learners and their siblings received nutritious meals by delivering these to their homes on a weekly basis.

Other schools who benefited from the Medirite Pharmacy initiative include Urban Comet (Boksburg), Tholulwazi Pre-school, Humble Little Achievers Kids, Thamboville Day Care Centre (all in Wattville), Blessings Eco Preparatory School, Zamokuhle Day Care Centre Simunye Day Care and Pre-School, Ethandweni Day Care Centre and Pre-school, Qedusizi Day Care Centre (all situated in Langaville, Brakpan).