Safeguarding Learners’ Health in Our Schools
By Dickson Tumuramye One of the most common challenges among learners today is health-related complaints. Some learners usually complain of illnesses such as ulcers and related gastrointestinal complications. A significant cause is poor eating habits; some children deliberately skip meals due to peer influence, poor appetite, or personal misconceptions about body image and dieting. Others may find the quality or quantity of food at school inadequate. Yet food is not just a basic need; it is a form of preventive medicine. Food as Medicine, Not Medicine as Food Parents must take time to educate their children on the importance of balanced nutrition and eating regularly. Regular, healthy meals help prevent ulcers, boost immunity, support brain function, and maintain energy levels essential for learning. The popular saying, “Let food be your medicine before medicine becomes your food,” should not just be a cliché; it should be a practical life lesson reinforced both at ho...