National Health Promoting School Project officially launched ^Featured

HPS is a program designed by the World Health Organization through Health Promotion Unit of the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education to provide students with integrated and positive experiences and structure which promote and protect their health.

In his keynote address, Hon. Sovaleni said good health supports successful learning, successful learning supports health. Schools are placed in a unique position to promote health and development for children.

“Managing obesity is a good example of the close link between education and health. Childhood obesity is a troubling trend in the developing countries of the Pacific and Tonga is no exception. The culture of fast food, big sized portions has resulted in an increased rate of obesity and related health problems.”

“Today we are taking the small step but it’s a giant step for Tonga, our future depends on what we do in the present.”

Sovaleni stressed that students are in an impressionable age and “they must be guided and motivated to move away from undesirable lifestyle habits. Teachers are among the most important influences in the lives of the school – ongoing children between the ages of 4 and 18.”

He also congratulated the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education on this milestone.

“I also hope that it will motivate educators, school administrators and other relevant partners to take the bold steps necessary to achieve highest standard of health for our beloved nation, now and for future generation.”

In the overview of the Project, WHO Representative in Tonga Dr Wendy Snowden said the model of HPS in Tonga focuses on three things, which are diet and physical activities, water-sanitation and hygiene (WASH) and well – being.

She said “Tonga has a long-standing commitment to health and development of children in Tonga. Health Promotion Unit (HPU) of the Ministry of Health has been working together with Ministry of Education on Health promoting School for more than ten years.”

National HPS has a committee comprised of representatives from eight private church schools, representative from the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education and Training.

She added that HPS initially start with 20 schools in Tonga and they are hoping to make this Project an on-going program that will be implemented in all the schools in Tonga.

- MEIDECC