The Healthy Schools Program was launched by the Ministry of Health in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2019 to improve student health in schools in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. It follows the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO), implementing measures that enhance both health and the educational process while applying specialized school health education programs.
Objectives of the Healthy Schools Program
The Healthy Schools Program aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 in the fields of education and health. It focuses on the physical, psychological, social, and religious aspects of students to enhance their well-being, as well as that of the school community and society at large. The program aims to equip students with knowledge, promote healthy habits and behaviors, encourage participation in school activities related to health promotion, provide a safe and healthy school environment, improve the well-being of school staff, and strengthen connections between the community and the school environment.
The program benefits the education community, including students, their parents, teachers, and administrators, fostering collaboration to improve health and support overall well-being.
Components of the Healthy Schools environment
The implementation of the Healthy Schools Program relies on ten key components within its environment, which are:
- Health Education: Serves as the foundation for building healthy behaviors and correcting harmful habits by integrating health topics into curricula and activating activities in collaboration with neighborhood health centers.
- Nutrition and Food Safety: The school environment provides opportunities for students to learn about healthy foods and beverages, raises awareness, and ensures that meals meet the standards of the Food and Drug Authority and the school canteen regulations.
- Physical Activity: Schools offer an environment conducive to various activities through physical education classes, in-class movement, and activities before and after school, with support from staff, families, and the community.
- School Health Services: Includes medical care, first aid in emergencies, monitoring chronic illnesses, providing preventive services to the school community, and raising awareness.
- Physical School Environment: Ensures the health and safety of staff and includes school buildings, canteens, and water sources, such as drinking water, wastewater, and stagnant water.
- Mental Health, Guidance, and Counseling: Mental health is a crucial factor in students' academic progress. School health initiatives provide psychological support, not just as treatment but also as early awareness and prevention.
- Social and Emotional Climate: Encompasses the social, psychological, and emotional aspects of the educational experience, influencing students' participation in activities, interactions, and relationships. A positive social and emotional climate is supported through student participation in events, celebrations, and field trips.
- Staff Health: Encompasses all school staff, including teachers, security personnel, canteen workers, and bus drivers, focusing on their physical, mental, social, and spiritual well-being.
- Family Engagement: The role of families in supporting students is a shared responsibility between parents and schools. This includes contributing to health-related school activities, providing healthy food for children, and cooperating with the school in monitoring students referred to healthcare services.
- Community Participation: Involves engagement in global health days, health-related events, and collaboration with health organizations that implement awareness programs and activities.
Importance of Healthy Schools
The impact of Healthy Schools extends to social and economic aspects, benefiting all segments of society. These programs improve students' physical and mental health, enhance their ability to maximize educational benefits, and instill health-supportive skills and behaviors. Additionally, they promote the well-being and morale of education staff, ensuring an environment that enables them to fulfill their educational and instructional duties effectively. The broader effects include improving public health within families and society, and contributing to better social, economic, and physical conditions.
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