In a pioneering move to enhance health education among young learners, Chandigarh is set to open its first Health Education Centre at Government High School (GHS), Sector 22, this December. This initiative, spearheaded by the education department, aims to revolutionize health awareness and education for students.
The Government of India has sanctioned Rs 50 lakh for the project for the financial year 2024-2025, with an additional Rs 1.2 crore to be potentially allocated next year based on the project’s progress.
The idea for this centre originated in 2018, following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chandigarh administration and the Rotary International Club. In 2020, the project was transferred to the education department. By January 2024, the education department had presented the initiative to the Government of India, which approved it as the first-of-its-kind project under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, with an initial funding of Rs 50 lakh for 2024-25.
The Rotary Club is contributing equipment and training valued at approximately Rs 1 crore. The engineering department has approved around Rs 71 lakh for renovation, funded by the school education department’s budget. The finance department of the Union Territory (UT) has also approved recurring expenditures, including the annual wages of the staff (28 members), amounting to approximately Rs 1.04 crore, from the school education department’s budget. The curriculum and training schedules will be developed in collaboration with the director of health services, Chandigarh, and the Rotary Club, with staff training slated for completion by October 2024.
Focus of the Centre
Director of School Education Harsuhinder Brar stated, “The tender has been finalized, and construction is set to commence in a few days, with a targeted starting date of December 1. Our current curriculum often overlooks critical aspects of health education, and this initiative aims to fill that void. By incorporating advanced technology like hologram displays and interactive mannequins, we not only enhance the learning experience but also address the emotional and mental well-being of our students. This centre represents a significant step towards creating a more comprehensive and joyful educational environment.”
The centre will address various aspects of health, including general health, oral health, nutrition and physical activity, drug, alcohol, and tobacco prevention, pregnancy and STI prevention, and social and emotional health. All students aged 8 to 16 (3rd to 10th grade) will be required to visit the centre at least once a year, free of charge. The Health Education Centre will feature informational displays through models, holograms, and other media. Master trainers will engage students with interactive displays and conduct health education lectures by experts.
