Kantarawaddy Times
According to local reports, a school in the eastern part of Dee Maw Hso township, Karenni State, is experiencing severe water shortages, which is causing an increasing number of school-age children to suffer from skin conditions.
Due to the lack of water, students are unable to maintain proper personal hygiene. The school principal said that around 30 percent of the students are currently affected by skin itching and related conditions.
“Approximately 30 percent of our students are currently affected by skin diseases, with the problem being most prevalent among younger children,” the principal said.
Younger school-age children are unable to take regular baths due to water constraints, which has also resulted in problems with body odor. As a result, the school has designated one day per week as a bathing day for the students, the principal explained.
“On Wednesday afternoons, we close the school and ask the kids to take a bath. This is because they haven’t been able to take a bath for three or four days, which causes the smell to become extremely strong. Therefore, we have designated Wednesday afternoons as a weekly bathing day for the students,” the principal said.
The water shortage becomes particularly severe during the dry season. Students may occasionally need to carry water from home to use in school restrooms during this period.
The school offers classes up to the high-school level and currently has nearly 200 students enrolled.
