Leh Jan 08: A four-day School Health and Wellness Programme began today at the District Institute of Education and Training Leh, bringing together newly appointed School Health and Wellness ambassadors along with Physical Education Masters and Teachers from Government schools across the district. The programme is being held in collaboration with the Health Department and will continue till January 10.
The initiative is part of a national effort by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Education to deepen health education in schools and equip teachers to support the physical, mental and emotional growth of students enrolled in Government and private institutions of Leh.
The opening session was inaugurated by Head of Department DIET Leh Smt Sonam Lamo with Dr Farhana Iqbal District Immunisation Officer and Nodal Officer for the programme. The inaugural event was attended by School Health and Wellness Programme coordinators and counsellors from Tangtse Nyoma and Nubra blocks.
The training has been designed to build a clear understanding of the eleven modules that form the core of the national programme and prepare teachers to address classroom challenges linked with student well-being. Officials stated that the four days will focus on developing school-based responses to issues related to physical fitness mental health and emotional stress among adolescents.
On the first day Dr Farhana Iqbal delivered an overview of the programme introducing its structure and explaining the role teachers will play in guiding students toward healthy lifestyles. This was followed by a session by Dr Savita Poonia a gynaecologist who spoke on changes experienced by adolescents and the need for supportive conversations at school and home.
The second half of the day featured Dr Sajjad Hussain Clinical Psychologist who addressed substance misuse among young people. He spoke on early warning signs counselling methods and the responsibility of schools to create a safe environment.
Seventy teachers from Government High and Higher Secondary Schools are attending the training. Officials noted that the effort will strengthen the capacity of educators to act as wellness guides in their own institutions and carry forward awareness on adolescent health across Leh district. The programme marks a continuing push to link education with overall well-being in line with national priorities for child development.
