School Health and Wellness Programme (SHWP) coordination meeting with heads of educational institutions of Block and Sub-Division under the Education Department

The meeting was organised by Health and Family Welfare Department as part of Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) in collaboration with the Sikkim INSPIRES (Integrated Service Provision and Innovation for Reviving Economies) initiative.

Mr Suraj Rai CEO Education Department graced the meeting as the chief guest and Ms Trisang Tamang ADC Namchi as the guest of honour. Present amongst others were Dr SN Adhikari CMO Namchi, Mr GP Sharma JD (Education), Dr BK Chauhan DRCHO, Mrs Bijay Laxmi Rai CNO, Mr Tilak Chettri AD Education alongwith masters trainers of the SHWP, heads of institues including principals, headmasters and headmistress and AEOs from various blocks of the district.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest Mr Suraj Rai congratulated all the trainees who participated in the program. He emphasized the significance of the initiative in light of the rising mental health issues among adolescents. He stated that the trained school teachers would serve as ambassadors, playing a crucial role in the successful implementation of the initiative.

He further urged the trainees to regularly update all activities conducted in their schools on the designated portal to ensure the initiative achieves its objectives. Additionally, he encouraged teachers to motivate students not only in academic performance but also in developing life skills and competitiveness in various fields, helping them unlock their full potential for the holistic growth of society.

Ms Trisang Tamang ADC emphasized the crucial role of parents and educators in shaping children’s lives. She urged them to foster a positive mindset in children and encouraged integrating mental wellness discussions into parent-teacher meetings. This, she stressed, would help children feel heard and supported, especially during critical developmental stages.

She further highlighted the need for a holistic approach to students’ mental, physical, and social well-being, particularly those vulnerable to drug abuse and suicide. She called for early identification of at-risk students and urged educators and parents to promptly inform the administration. This would ensure timely intervention, proper rehabilitation, and access to necessary support systems, ultimately safeguarding their future.

Dr S N Adhikari CMO emphasized the importance of children’s social-emotional learning and equipping parents with skills to strengthen family bonds. He highlighted emotional intelligence as key to a child’s well-being and stressed early intervention for mental health issues.

He underscored the need for awareness programs, counselling, and resilience-building activities. Encouraging collaboration among schools, healthcare professionals, and families, he advocated for mindfulness, healthy habits, and open communication to promote emotional stability and mental well-being.

Dr B K Chauhan DRCHO provided an overview of the SHWP, outlining its aims and objectives. He highlighted the initiative’s role in promoting overall health and well-being within communities.

Furthermore, he presented a detailed analysis of the growing concern over micronutrient and vitamin deficiencies, emphasizing their link to various non-communicable diseases. He stressed the need for preventive measures, including proper nutrition, regular health screenings, and awareness campaigns to address these deficiencies effectively.

An interactive session was also followed, allowing attendees to engage in discussions, share insights, and provide valuable feedback on the SHWP’s implementation and effectiveness.

During the programme, a felicitation ceremony was held to honor the Master Trainers for their invaluable contributions to the workshop for School Health and Wellness Ambassadors on the Implementation of the Life Skills Curriculum.

This trainers namely Dr Shiwani Pradhan, Ms Pema Yangkila Bhutia, Ms Anu Naibedhya Rai, Ms Babita Pradhan, Ms Swarlata Pradhan and Ms Bebichana Pradhan, were recognized for their dedication and commitment to the initiative.

It maybe mentioned here that a total of 236 teachers were trained as Health and Wellness Ambassadors under the School Health and Wellness Programme, equipping them to promote mental well-being, resilience, and life skills among students.