On 15–16 April 2025, researchers from the Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, in collaboration with Terake Kindergarten, hosted an exciting two-day educational workshop titled “Wiggly Worms and Handwashing Heroes: A Hygiene Adventure!”. The initiative aimed to introduce preschool-aged children (ages 4–7) to the importance of hygiene and
The first day of the workshop took place at Terake Kindergarten, where researcher Dr. Dulmini Sapugahawatte introduced the concept of hand hygiene and how bacteria can make us sick. The children explored the topic through interactive discussions and demonstrations, including:
- Making handprints on agar plates before and after handwashing,
- Testing unwashed and washed fruits and vegetables for bacteria,
- Swabbing their favorite toys and observing microbial growth,
- Coloring worksheets featuring friendly bacteria and hygiene superheroes,
- Designing their own “Handwashing Hero” bookmarks to reinforce their new knowledge.
On the second day, the children visited the Zoomeedikum at the university, where they observed the results of their experiments and expanded their learning. Highlights included:
- A fun video and demonstration session on proper handwashing techniques,
- Observing the growth of bacteria on agar plates and learning how the Hygiena SystemSURE Plus luminometer, presented by Prof. Mati Roasto, helps measure cleanliness,
- Using GlowGerm gel to highlight areas that are often missed during handwashing, such as fingernails and between fingers.
Ms. Maarja Tagel from the parasitology laboratory delivered an engaging session about intestinal parasites, using preserved specimens and an animated film to explain how parasites spread and how infections can be prevented.
At the end of the workshop, each child received:
- A “Handwashing Hero” certificate,
- A “Bravery in Learning about Parasites” certificate,
- And a sweet reward — chocolates — to be enjoyed only after proper handwashing!
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to Dr. Dulmini Sapugahawatte, Prof. Mati Roasto, Prof. Arvo Viltrop, doctoral students Lidiia Moskalenko, Andres Reilent, and Maarja Tagel, as well as Gayandi Ekanayake for designing the beautiful certificates.
The success of the event was made possible by the enthusiasm and curiosity of the Terake Kindergarten staff and children. Workshops like “Wiggly Worms and Handwashing Heroes” are vital for inspiring early interest in science and promoting lifelong healthy habits.
We look forward to continuing and expanding our STEM outreach programs for young learners in the future!
Research Fellow in Molecular Microbiology, Physiology and Medicine
Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences
Chair of Veterinary Biomedicine and Food Hygiene
