Our children are
no ordinary citizens of the planet; the issue of overall development or education of children is so important
that we treat it as the ‘residual legatee’ of all our problems; as the modern
living is becoming ever more complex it is logical that every child must become
highly educated- If the civilization is in a state of permanent crisis it is
not far fetched to suggest that there is something wrong with its education.
It is not too much to believe that health is an integral
part of a successful educational framework at school level; the main
considerations in the context of school
health education are- basic health care, preventive measures against diseases, issues
of environmental concern , sight pollution, noise etc. The basic tenets of good
health practices can be introduced at primary classes wherein practices like personal
hygiene, early rising, timely intake of food and regular physical exercises may
be imbibed. The awareness among students about sound health and mind will be a
good starting point at this level.
The layout of education for health at different stages
may be spread alongside the academic curriculum. At secondary level and above
the health education may focus on dissemination of knowledge on balanced diet
and good food habit, sensitize children about environmental pollution,
sanitation and prevention of common diseases.
The effort may be
through demonstrative mode, rather than text book education that has reached
its optimum utility in formal course work; the prevailing sense of complacency
among both school authorities and parents is the major impediment towards
implementation / achieving the goal, with economic consideration in many cases.
The implementation of the ideas hinges to a great extent
on synergisation of efforts of government machinery, school managements, health
administration and civic authorities; the responsibility of sanitation,
drinking water particularly in rural areas should be rested with
civic/municipal/panchayat authorities. The health administration has the
serious business of monitoring, identifying and treating ailing students- for
which creation of a new institutional concept has to be envisaged to bridge the
gap between pediatric section and adult health regime of traditional medical
service.
Health awareness committee which may coordinate among
different players, may arrange for periodic interactive sessions- say on
monthly or quarterly basis; health workshops to enlightens students on health
issues through practical knowledge; participation of NGOs may be a good
supplement to the programme.
Introduction of mid –day –meal programme in the schools
is a commendable programme, and may help in promoting concept of nutrition in
school-children; it would be a good idea to supplement the meals with seasonal
fruits and milk-made
It is a widespread malady among the present-day students’ community that many of
them are presently suffering from mental depression,, behavioural disorder,
malnutrition and the dreaded problem of addiction- which is reflected in
prevalence of suicidal tendencies ,chronic diseases and strong apathy towards the society among
students at college and higher study levels; while the teachers are grappling
with a peculiar sense of isolation and of generation gap with students who,
themselves share a strong alienation
from the society.
While admitting that the issue is quite complex and has
roots deep into the present social order, serious initiatives may be put into
at school level to combat it; introduction of teaching methods of practicing
concentration of mind, mental stability and inculcating higher faculties may be
a few of the programmes that may be adopted at school level/ stage to correct
such gross behavioural disorders among students at later periods in their life.