Having determined that social and health issues which affect teens have a bearing on their academic performance, the Ministry of Public Health has moved to reintroduce the Secondary School Health Clubs Programme.
It was explained that Secondary School Health Clubs are forums designed to allow adolescents to engage in a series of activities aimed at improving their health and wellness and the environment.
“The health club is required to gear discussions and activities around topics and issues that affect students as they transition from childhood to adulthood,” the Department of Public Information (DPI) stated, noting that these include adolescent pregnancies, drug abuse, trading illicit drugs in schools, domestic violence, sexual abuse, hygiene and relationships.
In order to facilitate a club, it was noted that teachers first need to conduct a needs assessment of the students and the surrounding community in order to inform the programme’s design, which will cater to the students’ unique needs.
The release stated that on March 28 and 29, teachers in Regions 3 and 4 underwent training to facilitate the programme, while a similar exercise is planned for Region 10 teachers, scheduled for April 1 to 3. However, the ministry’s School Health Officer, Dr. Faqueeda Watson-Jones, noted that everyone will play a role in the functioning of the clubs, “ranging from the PTA (Parent Teacher Association), persons from civil society in the school’s community, all government ministries including Ministry of Education and the Department of Social Cohesion… Youth, Sport and Culture”.
