The Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), in collaboration with John Snow Inc. (JSI), convened a meeting with education stakeholders to discuss the proposed establishment of School Health Clubs, to be piloted in selected basic schools in the state.
Schools present were the Federal Government Girls College Benin, Agbado Primary School, Olua Primary School, and Pioneer Education Center.
During the meeting, stakeholders reviewed the proposed implementation framework and raised key questions and recommendations to guide the program’s design, coordination, and sustainability.
The proposed School Health Clubs aim to promote healthy habits and hygiene practices among pupils, increase awareness of disease prevention and immunization, and strengthen essential life skills such as communication, teamwork, and decision-making.
The initiative will also support pupils’ personal development, build confidence, expose them to career opportunities in the health sector, and make health education more engaging through games and participatory activities.
A major recommendation from the meeting was the development of a standardized curriculum or activity guide to provide a clear and structured framework for club activities across participating schools.
Stakeholders also explored integrating the school health club into existing school clubs where appropriate, thereby leveraging established structures, personnel, and available resources.
It was emphasized that club activities must not interfere with the school’s academic programs. Instead, the clubs should operate like other recognized extracurricular activities within the school system. Stakeholders further agreed that the program should not impose any financial burden on participating schools.
For effective coordination, each school was advised to appoint a patron from its management or teaching staff to oversee the club program. The club program should also be responsible for planning events, and the members should choose a president to lead them.
Parents and guardians may also be invited to participate in selected activities that would strengthen learning and support the program’s objectives.
Stakeholders stressed the importance of proper documentation, including maintaining meeting minutes, attendance records, and reports of all activities carried out by the clubs.
Discussions also focused on the availability of appropriate teaching and learning materials to support club activities. Advocacy for the provision of suggestion boxes in schools was equally recommended to encourage anonymous feedback and improve communication between pupils and school authorities.