Grade 3 Hygiene And Nutrition Health Practices – Care of toilets, Latrines and Urinals Notes
Hygiene And Nutrition — Health Practices
Subtopic: Care of toilets, latrines and urinals
These notes tell you how to look after toilets, latrines and urinals so everyone stays healthy. They are for children aged about 8 years in Kenya. Ask an adult to help when needed.
What are these?
- Toilet — a bowl with water that flushes (common in towns and some schools).
- Latrine — a simple pit toilet used in many homes and rural schools.
- Urinal — used to pass urine, often in boys' toilets at school.
Why keep them clean?
- Clean toilets stop germs that make us sick (diarrhoea, stomach bugs).
- They smell better and are nicer for everyone to use.
- Fewer flies and mosquitoes near clean toilets.
Good toilet habits (easy steps)
- Always close the door and lock while using (for privacy).
- Use water or toilet paper to clean yourself — throw used paper into bin if pit latrine (not in the pit).
- Flush if there is a flush toilet. For pit latrines, cover faeces with some soil or ash if told to do so.
- Do not throw rubbish (plastic, sanitary pads, stones) into latrines or toilets.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after every time — sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice while rubbing hands to make 20 seconds.
Handwashing reminder:
Water + soap = less germs. If water is scarce, use ash then wash when you can.
How to clean (what you can do safely)
- Daily: wipe the toilet seat and floor with a cloth and soap water (ask an adult if you can help).
- Weekly: an adult should scrub the bowl or pit latrine squat hole with brush and soap or disinfectant.
- Keep a small bin with a lid near the toilet for used paper and sanitary items — empty it often.
- Sweep around the toilet or latrine so there is no dirt or food that can attract flies.
Special care for pit latrines and VIP latrines
- Do not throw large items in the pit — they block it.
- If smells are bad, ask an adult to add ash or soil to the pit and check the vent pipe is not blocked.
- Keep the latrine door and roof in good repair so children can use it safely.
- Do not play near the pit opening — it is dangerous.
Care for urinals
- Flush or pour water after use so the urinal stays clean.
- Sweep and rinse the floor so it is not slippery.
- Report broken drains or bad smells to a teacher or adult.
Do’s and Don’ts (quick list)
- Do wash hands after using the toilet.
- Do keep the toilet area dry and tidy.
- Do tell an adult if something is broken.
- Don't throw rubbish into pits or toilets.
- Don't splash or play in toilet water.
- Don't use strong chemicals without adult help.
If there is no water
- Use a small container of water (jerry can or cup) to pour a little water into the toilet after use.
- For latrines, add ash or soil to reduce smell and flies.
- Always wash hands later when you have water — or use hand sanitizer if available and an adult says it is OK.
School and home — how children can help
- Take turns with classmates to sweep and keep the toilet area tidy.
- Tell a teacher or parent when soap, water or cleaning tools are finished.
- Be kind: keep private things private and help others learn to wash hands.
Short rhyme to remember:
"Close the door, wash your hands, keep it clean across the lands!"
Always ask an adult for help with big cleaning, repairs or when using strong chemicals. Keeping toilets, latrines and urinals clean helps everyone stay healthy.