Carnmoney Primary School pupils learn importance of handwashing ahead of global awareness day

October 9, 2026 The Belfast Desk

Primary 2 pupils at Carnmoney Primary School in Glengormley have been learning about the importance of hand hygiene during a visit from NI Water’s education team.

Carnmoney Primary School pupils learning about handwashing during an NI Water education visit — Pupils at Carnmoney Primary School in Glengormley demonstrate handwashing techniques ahead of Global Handwashing Day. Photo: NI Water.

The visit took place ahead of Global Handwashing Day on 15 October, an annual campaign promoting handwashing with soap and clean water as a simple way of preventing illness and the spread of germs.

Carnmoney Primary School Pupils discover importance of clean water

During the visit, pupils learned how NI Water helps ensure homes and businesses across Northern Ireland have access to clean, safe drinking water.

They also discovered why washing their hands regularly can help protect themselves and others from illness.

The children were introduced to the work of international charity WaterAid, which helps communities around the world access clean water, sanitation and hygiene facilities.

NI Water highlights global challenge

Anna Killen, Outreach and Learning Officer at NI Water, said handwashing remains one of the simplest and most effective ways of preventing disease.

She highlighted figures indicating that approximately 1.7 billion people worldwide still lack soap and/or water for handwashing at home.

Ms Killen said it had been encouraging to celebrate the importance of clean water with pupils at Carnmoney Primary School.

The visit forms part of NI Water’s wider education programme, which helps young people understand where their water comes from, how it is treated and why it is important to protect water resources.

External link: NI Water Education Programme