SoaPen is a teaching tool in the form of a soap-crayon that promotes the habit of washing hands with soap among children of the impressionable age of 3-6 years. It aims to reduce infant mortality rates by preventing the spread of infectious illnesses through behavioral change, that lasts a lifetime.

SoaPen is a soap-crayon which is markable on skin. It promotes the habit of handwashing among school children of the impressionable age of 3-6. It is used to draw on the child’s hand and the drawing turns into soap when the child wets and rubs their hands. By rubbing off the drawing the child washes their hands thoroughly and for the correct duration of 20-40 seconds. Due to its dry application, teachers can apply soap to a child's hand within the classroom and check if the students were through by ensuring the drawing has been fully washed off, without having to assist each child to the bathroom. A supporting website provides teachers with creative activities for incorporating SoaPen into the existing curriculum.

The innovation

THE INNOVATION

Over 1.5 million children under the age of 5 die annually from infectious diseases such as diarrhea. The simple habit of handwashing at 5 key times daily can prevent this. Since 40% of the infectious diseases are caught in schools, the habit needs to be taught there. Schools are financially strapped and don’t place soap in bathrooms to avoid wastage. Typically, they’re stored in a cabinet in the classroom and come out only before the mid-day meal. With SoaPen’s dry application, students can use soap multiple times a day within the classroom without hassling the teacher and requiring her assistance.

SOCIAL IMPACT

SOCIAL IMPACT

SoaPen combats hygiene issues presently faced by schools and community centers. Overtime, this will reduce the spread of potentially fatal infectious illnesses among children.

ECONOMIC IMPACT

ECONOMIC IMPACT

It aims to have a Buy One Give One model wherein a SoaPen sold in the developed world funds a SoaPen in the developing nation. Further, SoaPen is cost effective and lasts longer compared to other soaps, as it gives more hand washes per bottle.

TAGS
low-cost
portable
children
germs
cleanliness
washing hands
soap
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