A STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CHILD TO CHILD TEACHING PROGRAMME ON KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES REGARDING SCHOOL ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATION AMONG HIGH SCHOOL CHILDREN IN A SELECTED SCHOOLS OF GOTTIGERE PHC AREA, BANGALORE

Children represent the future of any nation, and educational institutions are crucial in cultivating their comprehension of morality, as well as their worldview regarding life, society, and the globe. It is essential that children obtain education through the correct methodology in a suitable school setting. This study sought to assess the efficacy of a child to child teaching program on knowledge and practices related to school environmental sanitation by comparing pre and posttest scores. The study utilised a quasi experimental, one group pretest and posttest design, implementing an evaluative methodology with systematic random sampling. Data were gathered using a structured questionnaire and an observational checklist. The results demonstrated substantial enhancements in knowledge and practices following the intervention. Peer educators exhibited pretest mean scores of 56% for knowledge and 61% for practices, which rose to 84% and 76% post intervention, indicating substantial improvement (t=14.5, p<0.05; t=8.8, p<0.05). Likewise, among peer learners, the pretest mean scores for knowledge and practices were 50% and 46%, respectively, which increased to 70% and 61% post intervention, demonstrating significant improvements (t=35.6, p<0.05; t=18.9, p<0.05). The results demonstrate that the child to child teaching program was exceptionally effective in improving knowledge and practices concerning school environmental sanitation. The study concludes that children can act as effective change agents, conveying essential information to their peers. The child to child teaching method enhanced knowledge and practices while highlighting the efficacy of peerled interventions in advancing school environmental sanitation. Such programs can cultivate a profound understanding and dedication among children, ensuring their positive contributions to the school environment and the wider community.