Washing machines in schools are increasing attendance, according to the Business Insider.
Whirlpool donated a washer and dryer to 17 schools in Illinois and California during the 2016-2016 school year. Teachers and parents were instructed to wash clothing that students brought in to school, at no cost. As a result, Business Insider reports that 90% came to school more often, and 89% of students participated in class more regularly. The most important part of the study:
Almost of all of the students appeared to be more motivated.
This is what happens when schools continue to support the emotional and physical needs of low-income students, which go beyond reduced school lunches and 30 minutes of mandatory exercise. If a student who can't afford to wash clothes is given the chance to do so at school, they will feel more confident, which will improve their performance in academics and extracurriculars. After all, the subject of clean clothes is tough for families who can't afford to do laundry. The absence of clean clothing results in alienation and teasing, which of course, doesn't make children very excited about school.
Chaketa Riddle, The assistant superintendent of a Missouri school district, agrees. "[The students] feel that they belong in our school community," Riddle says. "They feel that we're a family.They feel that we support their needs and want to make fun and positive and exciting school experience for them."
Absenteeism is a huge problem in the United States. We've heard about students who don't have enough food to eat underperforming in schools, and kids not having access to computers, but children who can't afford to put clean clothes on every day was something that went unmentioned. Whirlpool's idea changes everything. They plan to expand their washing machine project, called Care Counts, to other school districts.
"I think you'll just continue to see that number grow year over year as we end up launching it nationally, In the long run, as evidenced by Arum and the kids from Fairfield and St. Louis, the small leg up that comes from clean clothes could lead to much higher achievement, says Whirlpool brand manager, Chelsea Lindstrom.
What I Think
Unfortunately, clothing is a huge focus when it comes to going to school. It's always an issue- some kids can't afford school uniforms, while other children get teased because of their clothing, which makes them feel insecure. I hope that Whirlpool can bring the Care Counts program to schools in Delaware. I am sure the results would be just as surprising.
The bottom line is, if we want children to come to school, we have to provide for them so they can successfully do so. Having clean clothes is a necessity for all students, and is key to helping them feel good about themselves. This initiative is a very good idea, and it solves some of the complexities that keep students from coming to school.
