HP School Summer Camp addresses Chronic Disease Problem for Youth in North East JA.
Thursday, August 3, 2011
For Immediate Release
OVER FORTY students and teachers from schools in North-East Jamaica, participated in a three day residential Health Promoting School Summer Camp, held at Villa De Shalom in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, last week.
The Regional camp saw students and teachers attending from Fair Prospect High, Aabuthnott Galimore High, Marcus Garvey Technical High, Ocho Rios High, St. Mary Technical High, Hill Side Primary, Buff Bay Primary, Avocat Primary and Junior High, and Mt. Angus Primary and Junior High School.
The Health Promoting School Summer Camp which started on Monday July 25th and ended on Wednesday July 27th; aimed at strengthening and initiating wellness clubs in schools in North-East Jamaica. It focused on capacity building, team spirit, youth leadership and encouraged youth to promote health and wellness in various settings.
Director of Health Promotion and Education at the Ministry of Health, Miss Takese Foga said “this is an avenue through which students are empowered to promote healthy lifestyle in schools and support the Health Promoting School Programme which is a joint initiative of Ministries of Health & Education”
Mrs. Beverly Scarlett, Acting, Regional Health Education and Promotion Officer in her opening speech commended the teachers and schools who attended the camp. She also said that “your attendance here today demonstrates your interest in healthy lifestyle”. She further encouraged the youth to act as role models and to share the information learnt.
Mrs. Michelle Bassaragh – White, Health Education and Promotion Officer for St. Ann highlighted the impact of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases on death and disability in Jamaica and worldwide. She mentioned that, “this Inaugural Regional Camp initiated by the Health Education and Promotion Unit represents an important milestone in tackling Chronic Disease in the region.” She mentioned that, “improper nutrition, inefficient levels of physical activity and sedentary lifestyles are critical areas, important for tackling the Chronic Disease problem and these topics were elaborated on at the camp.” A Regional Quiz Competition among High Schools in the North East Region was also launched at the Camp. Topics at the camp included; Diabetes, Hypertension, Obesity, Drug Abuse, Mental Health, Personal Hygiene, Physical Activity, HIV/AIDS, Abstinence, Team Work, Violence Prevention, Nutrition, Safety and Injury Prevention and Types of Physical Activity. Students also participated in rigorous exercise classes each morning.
Mrs. Nicole Chen, Health Education and Promotion Officer for Portland, said, “it is hoped that these students who are now trained as peer leaders will go back to their schools and communities and share best practices learnt. It is hoped that overtime we will see incremental changes in their lifestyle practices”.
Students also enjoyed edutainment by ‘Bashy Bus Cru’ North which focused on Abstinence and HIV/AIDS and issues surrounding sex and sexuality among youth.
One student, Cecille Phillips of Avocat Primary and Junior High said, “I had a lot of fun and met new friends. I also exercised, which I don’t do at home”.
Shauna Llewellyn – Gordon
Regional Public Relations and Advocacy Officer (Acting)
North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA)
Units 34-38 Ocean Village Shopping Centre
Ocho Rios, Jamaica W. I.
Tel: 795-0102, 795-3107
Mobile: 872-0506, 457-0638
Email: shauna.gordon@nerha.gov.jm
For Immediate Release
Ocho Rios, St. Ann,
OVER FORTY students and teachers from schools in North-East Jamaica, participated in a three day residential Health Promoting School Summer Camp, held at Villa De Shalom in Ocho Rios, St. Ann, last week.
The Regional camp saw students and teachers attending from Fair Prospect High, Aabuthnott Galimore High, Marcus Garvey Technical High, Ocho Rios High, St. Mary Technical High, Hill Side Primary, Buff Bay Primary, Avocat Primary and Junior High, and Mt. Angus Primary and Junior High School.
The Health Promoting School Summer Camp which started on Monday July 25th and ended on Wednesday July 27th; aimed at strengthening and initiating wellness clubs in schools in North-East Jamaica. It focused on capacity building, team spirit, youth leadership and encouraged youth to promote health and wellness in various settings.
Director of Health Promotion and Education at the Ministry of Health, Miss Takese Foga said “this is an avenue through which students are empowered to promote healthy lifestyle in schools and support the Health Promoting School Programme which is a joint initiative of Ministries of Health & Education”
Mrs. Beverly Scarlett, Acting, Regional Health Education and Promotion Officer in her opening speech commended the teachers and schools who attended the camp. She also said that “your attendance here today demonstrates your interest in healthy lifestyle”. She further encouraged the youth to act as role models and to share the information learnt.
Mrs. Michelle Bassaragh – White, Health Education and Promotion Officer for St. Ann highlighted the impact of Chronic Non-Communicable Diseases on death and disability in Jamaica and worldwide. She mentioned that, “this Inaugural Regional Camp initiated by the Health Education and Promotion Unit represents an important milestone in tackling Chronic Disease in the region.” She mentioned that, “improper nutrition, inefficient levels of physical activity and sedentary lifestyles are critical areas, important for tackling the Chronic Disease problem and these topics were elaborated on at the camp.” A Regional Quiz Competition among High Schools in the North East Region was also launched at the Camp. Topics at the camp included; Diabetes, Hypertension, Obesity, Drug Abuse, Mental Health, Personal Hygiene, Physical Activity, HIV/AIDS, Abstinence, Team Work, Violence Prevention, Nutrition, Safety and Injury Prevention and Types of Physical Activity. Students also participated in rigorous exercise classes each morning.
Mrs. Nicole Chen, Health Education and Promotion Officer for Portland, said, “it is hoped that these students who are now trained as peer leaders will go back to their schools and communities and share best practices learnt. It is hoped that overtime we will see incremental changes in their lifestyle practices”.
Students also enjoyed edutainment by ‘Bashy Bus Cru’ North which focused on Abstinence and HIV/AIDS and issues surrounding sex and sexuality among youth.
One student, Cecille Phillips of Avocat Primary and Junior High said, “I had a lot of fun and met new friends. I also exercised, which I don’t do at home”.
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Students participating in a quiz competition at the camp. |
Students listening to a presentation on Diabetes. |
Shauna Llewellyn – Gordon
Regional Public Relations and Advocacy Officer (Acting)
North East Regional Health Authority (NERHA)
Units 34-38 Ocean Village Shopping Centre
Ocho Rios, Jamaica W. I.
Tel: 795-0102, 795-3107
Mobile: 872-0506, 457-0638
Email: shauna.gordon@nerha.gov.jm