The government has approved the ‘Draft National Policy on School Health’ on Friday. post pix
The Cambodian government has approved the “Draft National Policy on School Health” after hearing reports and holding discussions at a Council of Ministers meeting led by Prime Minister Hun Sen on Friday.
“The draft national policy has as its vision the development of good physical, mental and spiritual health to develop Cambodian society in a sustainable manner."
“This draft is formulated with the purpose of contributing to improving the quality of education and providing learners and educators with good health and wellbeing to [benefit] Cambodia’s human resources,” the Council of Ministers said.
The Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport on Friday said it is to orient learners, educators and relevant parties to care for their health as a contribution to national development.
The ministry said the implementation of the national policy aimed to change bad habits and instil a positive attitude in learners and educators to ensure quality and effectiveness.
“Good health is key in contributing to social development. Learners and educators with good health will become very effective human resources for building the nation,” the ministry said.
To implement the policy, the ministry has introduced strategies including the development of the necessary legal frameworks and mechanisms, and the promotion of the provision of nutrition, hygiene and the supply of clean water.
A safe, inclusive, comfortable and friendly study environment is to be promoted, as is health education and the participation of all relevant parties in improving student health.
Ministry of Education spokesman Ros Soveacha told The Post on Sunday that after receiving approval from the government, it is preparing an action plan to implement the policy alongside the relevant ministries and institutions.
“The action plan aims to ensure quality learning and an increase in the rates of students graduating and those attending school,” he said.
He said it will contribute to the strengthening and expanding of services with regard to improving the health of learners, educators and the general public.
It will also reduce unnecessary spending on health services as the government strives to achieve its goals of Cambodia becoming an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and achieving developed country status by 2050.
