It may sound like a dream, but it really happened—and it wasn’t by accident. Health Songs International held a handwashing event in Central Java with an unforgettable outcome. The idea took shape after local health workers repeatedly shared that the lack of handwashing was the biggest cause of preventable illness in Indonesia. We thought, "Time for a great handwashing song!" So, we gathered a team and created Mari Cuci Tangan, or "Let's Wash Our Hands." OUR SPECIAL EVENT We planned a fun event at a local primary school, using games and activities to teach the song's lyrics, which explain why, when, and who should wash hands (everyone, of course!). VOLUNTEERS CHIP IN We recruited a team of volunteers from several local universities to help facilitate the day. ACCELERATED LEARNING The program activities applied accelerated learning principles and included a variety of learning activities such as word games, running games, short episodic dramas, competitions, team challenges, and our handwashing song. The range of activities provided opportunities for the children to work together in teams to solve problems related to the hand washing with soap message. GRAFFITI FOREVER We wanted to leave a lasting reminder for the children, so we invited two graffiti artists to join us for the morning. One of their graffiti works was a spin on the game “Hopscotch” using bubbles, bars of soap, and clean hands instead of the traditional boxes. THE RESULTS WERE STUNNING. Two weeks after the program, we returned to check the impact. The Headmaster was delighted to see us and shared an unexpected story. He explained that each day before lunch, the town water would be shut off, but right after our Mari Cuci Tangan event, the children refused to eat without washing their hands, insisting it would make them sick. This went on for several days, causing quite a stir until the school board urgently arranged a new water tank to ensure handwashing was always possible. When we arrived, the cement was still drying.