Celebrating Shiksha Saptah

Garden Project

As educational institutions across the nation celebrate Shiksha Saptah from July 22 to 28, 2024, the focus on nutrition, health, and hygiene takes center stage. This week-long celebration marks the fourth anniversary of the National Education Policy 2020, with Day 6 (July 27) dedicated to Eco Clubs for Mission Life and School Nutrition Day.

The SCERT-JK has proposed activities across all educational institutions of the JKUT to promote health and hygiene among students. The activities proposed for the Fruit and Vegetable Fair and School Garden Project are excellent initiatives to promote health and hygiene among students. Encouraging students to bring a fruit or vegetable to school will foster a sense of responsibility and expose them to a variety of nutritious foods. The fair will not only showcase the diversity of produce but also allow students to taste different items, emphasizing their nutritional benefits. The development of School Garden Project will provide hands-on learning about gardening, plant care, and the advantages of consuming fresh produce, reinforcing the importance of healthy eating habits. The Self-Care Checklist will guide students in maintaining the herbal gardens, enhancing the school's aesthetic appeal and educating them on the importance of green spaces.

The proposed awareness workshops will play a crucial role in educating students about balanced diets, healthy eating habits, and the detrimental effects of junk food. Interactive methods like quizzes, debates, and craft sessions will make learning engaging and fun. Teaching students to plan balanced meals and maintain safety and hygiene standards, especially for mid-day meals (MDM), is vital. Using posters, skits, and social media to spread awareness will ensure that the message reaches a wider audience, promoting a culture of health and hygiene.

In light of the forthcoming flagship programme sponsored by NCERT, New Delhi, is the Rashtriya Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshani 2024-25, where one of the sub-themes is “Food, Health, and Hygiene”. Under this sub-theme, students are expected to showcase innovative models and exhibits related to these critical areas. The Rashtriya Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshani is an exceptional platform that allows young, talented students to present their innovative projects, fostering scientific curiosity and creativity. Sponsored by NCERT, this flagship programme encourages the implementation of various activities through a massive expansion of channels. The event starts from the zonal level, progresses through district and state levels, and culminates at the national level, organized annually on specific sub-themes to popularize science, mathematics, and environmental education among children, teachers, and the public.

The initiative is designed to inspire young minds to explore and innovate, particularly in the domains of food, health, and hygiene. These themes are crucial, given the contemporary focus on nutrition, wellness, and sustainable living. By participating in this programme, students will not only able to enhance their scientific knowledge but will also develop practical solutions to problems. This hands-on experience is invaluable in nurturing a new generation of thinkers and problem-solvers who can contribute positively to society.

Similarly, another national initiative, such as the Northern India Science Drama Contest sponsored by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the importance of promoting healthy living and maintaining hygiene among students takes a creative turn. This initiative will encourage students, teachers, and science enthusiasts to explore and experiment with the dramatic form as a medium of communication. The sub-theme of this programme, focusing on health, hygiene, and nutrition, will encourage students to showcase their talents through dramas that highlight these critical aspects.

By harnessing the appeal of drama and theatre, the initiative aims to convey significant scientific messages and promote awareness about health and hygiene in a compelling and accessible manner. This approach will not only foster creativity among students but will also impart essential values and knowledge about maintaining healthy living standards.

Overall, initiatives like the Northern India Science Drama Contest and the Rashtriya Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshani exemplify the concerted efforts by educational bodies to integrate creativity, innovation, and scientific inquiry into the learning process. These programmes not only enrich the educational experiences of students but also contribute to the broader goal of fostering a scientifically literate and health-conscious society.

Although these initiatives are crucial in fostering a culture of health and hygiene in schools, however, a recent study conducted by Dr. Sajad Hussain Mir, Gulzar Ahmad Dar and Nazir Ahmad Najar, a team of senior academic officers from SCERT-Kashmir Division reveals significant gaps in maintaining effective health and hygiene standards in schools across District Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir. Published in the Journal of Public Health Hygiene and Safety, the study highlights that 61.9% of schools lack a dedicated school health team, and 65.8% face challenges with water purification methods and equipment maintenance. Furthermore, 31.7% of schools lack proper sanitation facilities, and 73.2% do not provide adequate menstrual hygiene facilities. These deficiencies are alarming, considering the crucial role that health and hygiene play in the overall development and academic performance of students.

The study's findings underscore the need for urgent attention and intervention. The absence of a structured health record system in 61% of schools could hinder effective monitoring and continuity of health initiatives. With only 26.8% of schools providing facilities for menstrual hygiene, there is a critical need to address this gap to ensure dignity and health among female students. Moreover, only 34.1% of schools have access to water purification equipment, posing a significant challenge to ensuring safe drinking water.

Promoting awareness about balanced nutrition and the harmful effects of junk food is commendable, with 90.2% of schools featuring programmes on this topic. However, the inspection and laboratory testing of Mid-Day Meals need significant improvement. While 97.6% of schools inspect Mid-Day Meals, only 7.3% conduct laboratory testing, raising concerns about the safety and nutritional quality of the food provided.

To address these challenges, several strategic approaches have been recommended by the researchers. Establishing comprehensive health record systems in all schools, improving menstrual hygiene facilities, including disposal mechanisms and access to sanitary products, enhancing water purification infrastructure including their regular maintenance, promoting inclusive physical activity programmes and involving the community in organizing sports events and improving interdepartmental coordination between the health and education sectors have been recommended. is also vital.

Celebrating Shiksha Saptah with a particular emphasis on nutrition is an opportunity to reinforce the importance of health and hygiene in educational institutions. By addressing the potential barriers and adopting strategic approaches, administrators can create a healthier and more conducive learning environment for students, ensuring their physical, social, emotional, and mental well-being.

Dr. Sajad Hussain Mir, Sr. Academic Officer, SCERT-Kashmir Division