The school wellness program in Doha, Qatar, organized by the Preventive Health Department – Wellness Section – of the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), recently held a closing and award ceremony to acknowledge the schools that participated in the program for the academic year 2023-2024. The program, implemented for the second year in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, aimed to improve students’ quality of life physically, mentally and socially. Key focus areas included promoting healthy eating habits, exercise recommendations, improved sleeping patterns, and effective stress management to create a healthy academic environment.
The objectives of the program were centered around enhancing awareness and education, advocating for healthy lifestyle choices, and improving the overall well-being and academic performance of students across various age groups. The closing ceremony, held at the Al Sadd Health Center, brought together members of the health community, school representatives, and program participants to celebrate the achievements and recognize outstanding individuals. The ceremony featured keynote addresses from key figures emphasizing the importance of the school wellness program in raising health awareness among students and building a healthy school environment through collaborative efforts.
During the ceremony, various entities and individuals were honored for their contributions to the success of the program, including wellness centers, physicians, fitness coaches, and school nurses. Winning students of drawing and essay competitions were also recognized for their creativity and excellence in showcasing the impact of sports on the body systems. The program selected 15 schools based on specific criteria and assigned them health coaches and fitness trainers who conducted monthly visits to deliver planned activities aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and positive habits among students.
The activities conducted by the wellness team focused on encouraging exercise, balanced diet, healthy sleep patterns, positive mental attitudes, and discouraging detrimental habits like smoking. The program also included an assessment process through periodic surveys, monthly evaluations, and a review of achievement progress within schools to ensure that the objectives were being met. The collaborative efforts between schools and health centers played a crucial role in the successful implementation and impact of the program on students’ overall well-being and academic performance.
The school wellness program served as a platform to instill positive behaviors, self-confidence, and self-direction among students by promoting healthy lifestyles and fostering a healthy school environment. By raising awareness about the importance of physical, mental, and social well-being, the program aimed to empower students to make informed choices about their health and lead healthier lives. The recognition received by schools, individuals, and students at the closing ceremony highlighted the collective efforts and commitment towards promoting wellness and creating a healthier community in Doha, Qatar.