Extension of School Health to vocational education is pioneering measure in the country, says Vasco Cordeiro
The President of the Government highlighted today the pioneering aspect regarding the extension of School Health to vocational education in the Region, a measure that will cover more than 2,200 students attending these schools.
"This is a type of measure that has a significant impact and relevance for each student as well as for our collective future as a People and as a Region," stressed Vasco Cordeiro. The President of the Government spoke at the signing of the Protocol for the Extension of School Health to more than 100 students attending São Jorge Vocational Training School under the Government's statutory visit to this island.
According to him, the extension of this project to vocational education is, "without doubt, an investment in the collective future as well as in the future of each children and youth in the Region. This is a more comprehensive, more inclusive and more ambitious approach.
After emphasising that this measure converges in this goal with two fundamental sector, Education and Health, the President of the Government stated that this political decision is in line with the Government's strategy for health promotion. In fact, it focuses on areas such as healthy eating, prevention of alcohol consumption, tobacco and other harmful substances, sexual education and mental health, among others.
The project involves 400 professionals, namely doctors, nurses, speech therapists, psychologists, nutritionists and teachers. It already covers 175 schools in the Region, achieving a full coverage rate in regular education, from preschool to secondary education. Last year, it covered a total of 40 thousand students from all islands.
Moreover, School Health includes, among other initiatives, a comprehensive health examination for children and young people, through various screenings and initiatives to promote healthy living habits.