The Western Highlands Provincial Health Authority (WHPHA) last Friday officially recognized Tega Lutheran Primary School in Western Highlands as one of the province’s Health Promoting Schools, marking a milestone in strengthening the link between education and public health.
The recognition follows national criteria set by the Department of Health and Department of Education, requiring schools to sign a Memorandum of Agreement and demonstrate commitment to health-focused standards.
These include maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment, well-kept classrooms and teachers’ homes, adequate sanitation facilities, reliable water supply, proper hygiene facilities and practices food safety at the school markets, proper waste management and students with disability inclusion to protect and promote good health for a healthy lifestyle.
The school’s head teacher Mr. Kenken expressed gratitude to WHPHA, noting that the achievement reflects the school’s dedication to creating a healthy learning environment.
The celebration combined three global health observances; Global Handwashing Day, Menstrual Hygiene Day, and Nutrition Day, into a single day of activities, supported by partners including UNICEF, Panamax Limited, and City Pharmacy Ltd.
Global Handwashing Day featured health education on disease prevention and safe handwashing techniques. WHPHA Health Promotion Officer Mr. Kuni Hunpio demonstrated how to build and use a “tippy tap,” where students actively participated in the lively session.
Nutrition Day was highlighted by Nutrition Officer Ms. Mary Rex’s “one-pot kai” cooking demonstration, showcasing affordable, nutritious meals that families can prepare at home.
Menstrual Hygiene Day was made memorable with donations of sanitary pads and hygiene materials from Panamax and CPL, ensuring students had access to essential supplies.
Throughout the day, WHPHA’s Public Health Team delivered awareness talks reinforcing the importance of hygiene, nutrition, and preventive health, reminding students that healthy habits learned in school extend into homes and communities.
Other programs were also integrated such as the Wellness Team conducting staff health checks including blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring, further emphasizing the importance of wellness in everyday life.
The events were both educational and celebratory, leaving both students and teachers inspired and better equipped to practice healthy living at all times. With its new status as a Health Promoting School, Tega Lutheran Primary stands as a model for schools across the Western Highlands Province.
