227 Sharjah schools ready to go healthy

Top Stories

sharjah, schools, healthy, lifestyle, food

Sharjah - The initiative seeks to create a healthy and safe school environment for students in the emirate.

By Saman Haziq

  • Follow us on
  • google-news
  • whatsapp
  • telegram

Published: Sat 12 Oct 2019, 10:31 PM

Last updated: Sun 13 Oct 2019, 4:55 PM

A new programme has been launched in Sharjah to educate students on the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle. 
The Health Promotion Department of the Supreme Council for Family Affairs (SCFA) recently rolled out the first phase of its 'Healthy Schools' programme, which is based on World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines.
The initiative seeks to create a healthy and safe school environment for students in the emirate.
Aligned with the 13 criteria spelt out by the WHO, the programme will be conducted in 227 public and private schools and 26 public nurseries across Sharjah, targeting around 185,000 students.
Schools will be evaluated based on 13 points that cover reduction of obesity rates; school building conditions; physical activity of students; sun protection; sustainability programmes; mental health; emergency response plan; and other standards that focus on the health and safety of the students.
Shatha Omar, a dietitian from the Health Promotion Department, said: "There will be three levels of grades given to schools by the end of two years: Gold, silver and bronze.
"The school that meets the criteria by up to 80 per cent and above will get the gold certificate; 70 per cent and above will get silver; and 60 per cent and above will secure bronze certification from the WHO."
The initiative is being held under the patronage of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah and Chairperson of the SCFA.
It is also organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Prevention, Ministry of Education, Sharjah Private Education Authority and Sharjah Education Council.
saman@khaleejtimes.com


More news from