The magic washing machine strikes again!

Hans Rosling's TED talk on the role of the washing machine in promoting economic development is a classic but an experiment in a number of American high schools has shown that the humble washing machine still has the power to transform lives in industrialised countries today.

The economic impact of students dropping out of high school is very significant, with one estimate claiming that a 5% increase in male graduation rates in the USA would lead to a US$4.9 billion saving in crime related costs and that overall the cost of dropping out to the country is US$300 billion. An infographic of these statistics can be found here.

So marginal gains in reducing dropout rates could pay big returns on any investment. Students were missing school for various reasons, including sickness, family responsibilities, and lack of interest. Schools were trying all sorts of things to increase attendance rates, including providing lunches and transportation to school but nothing seemed to be working. That was until another reason for low attendance was discovered - students were embarrassed to come to school because they did not have any clean clothes.

Up stepped Whirlpool, who donated seventeen washers and dryers to schools in Illinois and California. Students could bring in whatever laundry they could fit in a single bag, as often they needed. Parents or teachers from the school would handle the cleaning that night, at no cost to the students or their families. Over the year a total of 2000 loads of washing were done and then attendance rates were studied.

The results were remarkable! Over 90% of kids in the 17 schools came to school more often, with an average increase of 6 extra days per year. Teachers reported that over 89% of kids participated more in class, 95% interacted with their peers more, and nearly all of them were reported as being more motivated. If these effects can be replicated and carry on long-term, it would be a powerful reason for the program to continue and perhaps for the government to get involved in funding as well.

The magic washing machine strikes again! A link to the article can be found here.