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Mampe Marapyane

In quest to strengthen the implementation of health programmes in schools, the Ekurhuleni Health promoters interacted with teachers from various schools during an Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) and Values in Education (VIE) expo at Dalpark Teachers Centre recently.
 
"Health Promoting School (HPS) programme is a place where all the members of the school and the community work together to promote the health and well-being of learners, staff and the wider community. Everyone must work together as a collective to promote a healthy environment," said Sonnyboy Mntlane, a health promoter at the District.
He further emphasised that most schools experience a wide range of health-related problems. Other problems impact leaners, teachers and general staff physically, mentally or emotionally.
The overall goal of HPS is to improve learner's health and their ability to learn, which in turn, further improves the health status of the learners.  
"The programme (HPS) does not replace the existing programmes but facilitates coordinated and directed interventions. The programme fosters for health and learning for all, it better equips the teachers with skills so they can be able to recognise the signs and symptoms that learners may show within the school and allow us to fast track the process of the referral system", added Mntlane .
One of the teachers highlighted that the education on the HPS programme will help them in identifying kids that need intervention, including those coming from unhealthy environments.
 
Key components (SPECS) that schools should meet to be accredited with HPS
Skills – Building the skills that are needed to create a healthy school.
Policies – Developing policy at school level to guide and direct activities. 
Environment – Creating a safe and healthy environment for living, learning and working.
Community – Strengthening interaction between the school and the surrounding community.
Services – Accessing supporting services appropriately and effectively, such as school health services.