Health –promoting schools program-zambia [ministry of health]

The Zambian government through the Ministry of Health and Ministry of General Education has a responsibility to ensure that conditions for schooling are the best to achieve through establishing health-promoting schools and structures. World over, there has been substantial evidence, which indicates that the health of children and young people has been a major factor affecting their capacity to learn. Similarly the level of individual`s education influences their health. This document provides a framework for supporting the growth and development of health-promoting schools in Zambia. Its purpose is to support the national, regional and district structures in developing their actions for health promoting schools in the country. The document is not prescriptive in nature and offers freedom of interpretation while upholding the cornerstones of health promoting schools in the country. Greater detail on how to carry out activities will be contained in a health –promoting school strategy. The “Health-Promoting School Concept” has been found to offer some advantages such as: • The concept utilizes a holistic model of health that includes the interrelationships between physical, social, mental and aspects of the environment • It encourages participation of communities and families in the development of knowledge and health skills of their school going children • It addresses the significance of the physical environment such as school buildings, safe water, sanitation, play grounds and these contribute to the health of the children • The importance of the social ethos of the school becomes recognized in supporting a positive learning environment and one in which healthy relationships and the emotional well-being of the pupils/students is strengthened. • The concept links the national, regional and local health service delivery with the learning institutions addressing specific health concerns, which affect school children and teachers [health concerns, diseases, events and medical conditions]. • Finally, the concept enhances equity in education and health in raising competencies in health of girls, boys, men and women in the school and community through the provision of a positive and supportive school/home working environment. The Ministry of Health, Ministry of General Education and their Collaborating Partners are dedicated and focused to ensuring successful execution of the health-promoting school “Concept Note”. I therefore request that all the stakeholders involved in health –promoting schools program have a focus and make the concept initiative a reality for the country.