Pre-school teachers were reminded of their roles in nurturing children and promoting wellness so that they can become healthy citizens of the future.
National Advisor for Non-communicable diseases, Doctor Isimeli Tukana made these comments while officially opening a two-day workshop on training teachers on wellness and healthy oral hygiene.
“Teachers can identify a child in the way they think, what types of foods they bring from home and their behaviour in the classroom,” Dr Tukana said.
He challenged teachers to become agents of change within the school community and change the mindsets of children.
“If we nurture children to practice the wellness concept of keeping fit and eating healthy foods at a young age, we can prevent our future generation from dying of non-communicable diseases at a young age,” Dr Tukana said.
He adds that a classic example is Dilkusha Kindergarten School where they have encouraged children to drink water rather than buying or drinking soft drinks.
Meanwhile, the National Advisor for Oral Health, Doctor Joan Lal said another aspect of wellness is having proper oral health hygiene.
“In 2004, the health ministry conducted an oral health survey and results showed that 88 percent of children at the age of 6 years have four or more decayed teeth,” he said.
Dr Lal said that teachers should be role models and teach children to practice healthy habits before entering primary and secondary level.
He also encouraged teachers to take ownership of this workshop and become champions of health.
A participant representing Global leaders’ organisation, Analesi Tuicaumia said the workshop will pave the way for teachers to become champions for health.
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