SHARJAH, 24th July, 2023 (WAM) — The Health Promotion Department, which operates under the Higher Council for Family Affairs in Sharjah, conducted a virtual meeting for the coordinating and organising committee of the Enhanced School Health programme.
The programme is generously sponsored by H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.
This initiative, aligned with the World Health Organisation and other global organisations like UNESCO, falls under the umbrella of Enhanced School Health programme.
Chaired by Eman Rashid Saeed, Director of Health Promotion Department the meeting focused on the preparations and arrangements for the Enhanced School Health programme in collaboration with the World Health Organisation.
It also addressed the programme's new evaluation standards and the scientific steps to enhance the overall health of schools.
The meeting further discussed the roles of each entity and their connections with the schools.
Eman Rashid Saeed stressed that the "Enhanced School Health" programme holds utmost significance as it aims to provide a nurturing environment for the health of children and adolescents. The programme empowers them to develop healthy behaviours, preparing them for all stages of life, as they are the foundation of the developmental process. This initiative reflects the wise vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, as well as his wife, H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs.
During the meeting, the evaluation criteria for the programme were presented, encompassing 8 standards: government policies and resources, school policies and resources, school governance and leadership, school-community partnerships, curriculum and socio-emotional environment in schools, school physical environment, and school health services.
The committee concluded the meeting by presenting its recommendations, focusing on coordinating with programme partners and devising an operational plan for the implementation of the programme across schools in the Emirate of Sharjah.