Mpumalanga departments gear up to improve school health programmes
Mpumalanga’s Integrated School Health Programme pushes for a conference to address challenges and improve learner wellbeing across the province.
The National Department of Social Development hosted an Integrated School Health Programme (ISHP) workshop at ANEW Resort in White River on Wednesday and Thursday, October 8 and 9.
The aim of the workshop was to share information on existing policies and services, and to establish integrated teams across all three districts of the province.
The ISHP is a collaborative effort between the departments of social development, basic education and health, focusing on promoting the overall development and learning capacity of learners.
ALSO READ: Spring intervention classes in Mpumalanga target underperforming schools
The Department of Social Development’s spokesperson, Comfort Ngobe, said the workshop concluded with an agreement to establish collaborative working teams comprising all relevant departments, and to advocate for resources to hold a conference addressing issues affecting the programme.
According to the World Health Organisation, the ISHP was launched in 2012 with the aim of reaching twelve million pupils. The programme initially targeted no-fee schools, which serve the most disadvantaged communities in the country.
ALSO READ: Admin block gutted by fire at Sibongile Combined School in Matsulu
The ISHP is a combination of services designed to ensure the physical, mental and social wellbeing of learners, thereby maximising their learning capabilities. It was initially established to offer, among other services, immunisation, deworming, prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, counselling on sexual and reproductive health issues, and eyesight, hearing and oral hygiene checks.
