Healthy School Campaign in Lubuk Batu Jaya, Riau

“In a healthy body, a strong soul is to be found”. The phrase indicates that health is the basis of all activities. When our bodies are healthy then our souls and minds will have the enthusiasm to perform activities.

Reflecting on the importance to maintain health, Tanoto Foundation in collaboration with the Education and Health Offices of Kecamatan Lubuk Batu Jaya, Kabupaten Indragiri Hulu, Riau, held a Healthy School Campaign followed by all SD / MI (elementary schools) in Kecamatan Lubuk Batu Jaya. The campaign was held at SDN 008 Air Putih on October 28, 2017, to coincide with the Sumpah Pemuda (Youth Pledge) Day.

The awareness campaign on Healthy School aims to make students understand the importance of school environment cleanliness in supporting the teaching and learning process. In addition, it is expected to trigger active participation of all teachers, students, members of the community, as well as related institutions in realizing healthy schools.

The campaign also aims to provide a sense of comfort for teachers and students in the conduct of teaching and learning activities, so that the quality of education improves. It is also intended to provide knowledge and understanding of the importance of environmental health so that they are able to apply healthy living in daily activities.

“It is very important to teach elementary school students from the early stage concerning maintenance of personal and environmental health. The messages and knowledge gained from these activities must be seriously implemented in schools and in everyday living. Thanks to Tanoto Foundation for its support to improve the quality of education in Kecamatan Lubuk Batu Jaya, “said H. Damsur, S.Pd.M.Si, Camat of Lubuk Batu Jaya.

This Healthy School Campaign comprises various activities, including tooth brushing and hand washing together and various kinds of competitions with the theme of Perilaku Hidup Bersih dan Sehat/PHBS (Clean and Healthy Living Behavior). The competition includes clean school competition, puppet stage competition, posters making competition, quizzes, and small doctor proficiency competition.

The various competitions are expected to enable the students to be creative in utilizing used goods and turning them into a variety of handicrafts and share knowledge about environmental health.

This article is written by Rahmatinnija, Tanoto Foundation Riau.