Safeguarding Learners’ Health in Our Schools
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 home and in school. Children need to know that
missing a meal results in medical issues, and we start taking medicine to
treat such complications that can be avoided by taking our food regularly. Schools, too, must ensure that meals served are nutritious, timely, and sufficient and
establish clear guidelines that discourage learners from skipping meals.
Proactive Health Monitoring in Schools
Another
silent contributor to chronic illnesses in learners is the delay in seeking
timely medical attention. Learners may hide symptoms out of fear, shame, or
indifference, only reporting illnesses when conditions worsen. This not only
affects their academic performance but may also result in prolonged hospital
stays and even long-term health complications.
Schools must establish functional and well-equipped sick bays with trained
nurses to handle minor illnesses, administer first aid, and conduct regular
health assessments. A school nurse plays a crucial role not just in treatment
but in health education and promotion of hygiene practices. Hygiene campaigns
on handwashing, menstrual health, and personal cleanliness should be routine to
prevent common communicable diseases like flu, typhoid, scabies, and diarrhea.
At the same time, parents need to encourage their children to visit the school
nurse at the earliest sign of discomfort. Children need to know that speaking
up about their health on time is not a weakness, but a step toward healing and
resilience. Encourage to always report to you or teachers anything concerning
their health.
The Growing Burden of Mental Health
Today’s
learners are facing immense psychological pressures from academic demands and
peer competition to family-related stress and social expectations.
Unfortunately, mental health is still heavily stigmatized in many of our
communities, with learners suffering silently under the weight of anxiety,
depression, and emotional trauma.
Some learners develop what is commonly referred to as “examination fever”—a
psychological condition marked by panic attacks, insomnia, nausea, and loss of
concentration as exams approach. In worse scenarios, some resort to drugs,
alcohol, or risky sexual behavior due to peer influence or as coping mechanisms
to their mental health challenges. This calls for urgent psychosocial support
systems within schools.
Every school, especially those with large student populations, needs a
qualified counseling psychologist who can provide regular mental health
check-ins, guidance sessions, and targeted therapy for students showing signs
of distress. Mental health should be integrated into the school health policy, not
treated as an afterthought when a tragedy occurs.
Parents and Schools Must Partner for Learners’ Health
As
stewards of children’s growth, both parents and educators must work together to
create environments where learners not only thrive academically but are
nurtured holistically. This partnership begins with consistent communication
between schools and families. Parents should be informed of their children’s
health status, behavior changes, or emotional struggles. Some schools keep sick
children at school for long without informing the parents until the worst has
happened, which is not necessary. In turn, schools must create space for
parents to participate in health awareness campaigns, student counseling
programs, and school feeding plan reviews.
Moreover, parent-teacher associations (PTAs) can play a strategic role in
influencing health policy within schools. By advocating for better food
quality, hiring of health professionals, and inclusion of life skills education
in the curriculum, PTAs can shape a school culture that prioritizes wellness.
Conclusion
As I conclude, we
should know that a healthier learner is a better learner. A child’s health
directly affects their academic performance, social engagement, and long-term
potential. Let us remember that investing in a learner’s health is not an
optional luxury, it is a fundamental responsibility. Parents, educators, and
policymakers must work hand in hand to promote physical health, emotional
wellness, and preventive care in our schools and universities. When learners
understand the value of proper nutrition, hygiene, and mental resilience, they
are more likely to grow into responsible, productive citizens. Let us rise to
the challenge, for our children’s future depends not only on what they learn,
but also on how well they live.
The writer is the executive director of
Hope Regeneration Africa, a parenting coach, marriage counsellor, and founder –
Men of Purpose mentorship program
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