QRCS promotes health awareness, safety standards at schools

Coinciding with the commencement of the new academic year 2019-2020, Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS) has initiated a new edition of its QRCS School Programme, under a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.The purpose is to support the educational system by capitalising on the capacity of the youth, raising awareness of social solidarity and responsibility, and preparing student leaders who would contribute to school and community protection against disaster and environmental risks.Over the past few years, the programme made great achievements in terms of the numbers of schools and students registered with it. As reports indicate, the academic year 2016-2017 saw 1,200 attendants from 32 schools, compared to 2,300 and 45,during the following academic year.In 2018-2019, the programme made its paradigm shift, with 82 schools registered and 8,290 students, teachers, administrative staff, and supervisors attending the program’s lectures and drills, which were delivered by a group of well-trained medical trainers and disaster management volunteers from QRCS.In the new academic year, QRCS is co-ordinating closely with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education to maximise the benefits of the programme for both students and society members.The QRCS School Programme has three components. The health programme involves first-aid training and health education on nutrition, hygiene, communicable diseases, home safety, oral health, and other relevant topics.The ‘Safe School’ risk reduction programme seeks to improve community disaster preparedness and effective response; and the ‘Social Peace and Integration’ programme organises lectures to enrich positive values among school students, such as interactive communication, open-mindedness, behavioral discipline, psychological balance, and mutual respect. (QNA)