MINISTRY of Education deputy secretary Timoci Bure has lauded the World Health Organisation’s Pacific Technical Support team and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for establishing and implementing the Health Promoting Schools program in Fiji over the past three years.
Speaking at an awards ceremony this morning where 13 schools were recognised for achieving bronze, silver and gold status, he said outcomes from the program would go a long way towards improving mental and physical health, hygiene and diet and physical activity in the country.
“The Health Promoting Schools program develops, implements, monitors, assesses and reports on three strategic areas namely diet and physical activity, water, sanitation and hygiene and mental health and wellbeing,” he said.
“The three strategic areas are very critical in ensuring that a child is able to live a healthy lifestyle and thereby contribute to his or her successful educational journey.
“The program was not only confined to schools but also involved parents and local community members who also benefitted from the initiative.”
