Gobabis, Omaheke Region – The Omaheke Region has distinguished itself by becoming the first region in the country to fully implement the Health Promoting Schools Initiative (HPSI), covering all 47 schools in the region, including both public and private institutions from primary to secondary levels.
According to Namibian Press Agency (NAMPA), who spoke at the award ceremony in Gobabis, the region’s complete implementation of the HPSI is a significant achievement, emphasizing that health and education are crucial elements of socio-economic development in any nation. He remarked, “Good health is a prerequisite for national development. In our quest for the achievement of Vision 2030, health and education are fundamental.”
Governor Nganate highlighted that schools offer a unique opportunity to enhance both education and health status of learners throughout Namibia, as they are where children and young people spend much of their year. He lauded the region’s collaborative multi-sectoral response to the initiative, which led to 100 percent coverage, a first for any region in the country. Nganate also encouraged continued commitment and support for the programme, urging everyone involved to maintain the momentum achieved.
Jeremia Shikulo, representing the Ministry of Health and Social Services, noted the significant role of the Health Promoting Schools Initiative in ensuring schools are healthy environments for living, learning, and working. He stated, “The Ministry of Health and Social Services has noticed that the school health programme has achieved more milestones through the Health Promoting Schools Initiative.”
At the event, six schools were awarded bronze, 11 schools received silver, and 12 were honored with gold awards. Significantly, 19 schools in the region each obtained the first-ever platinum award, an initiative unique to the Omaheke Region, introduced to uplift health standards in schools.
This achievement marks a noteworthy advancement in integrating health and education in the Omaheke Region, setting a precedent for other regions in the country.