During a visit to the school in Sahab yesterday, the Queen attended a seminar that focused on healthy nutrition and checked on the progress of the Royal Health Awareness Society's (RHAS) National Healthy Schools Programme, being implemented as part of the Madrasati (my school) initiative in several public schools.

The school is working to qualify as a "healthy school" under the RHAS project, by holding seminars on health issues, involving students' families and school staff as well as representatives from the public and the private sectors.

Queen Rania also attended a seminar on first aid held by the Civil Defence Department.

The Madrasati initiative, which seeks to make education a social responsibility, has managed to attract several public and private sector partners including the Jordan Education Initiative, the Royal Health Awareness Society, the Children's Museum, UNICEF, INJAZ and Ruwwad since its launch in April 2008.

Besides refurbishing 500 public schools in need of infrastructure and maintenance work, the initiative is working on training teachers and providing them with modern technology and educational aids.

Insaf, a student at Khadija Bint Khuwailed School, yesterday expressed appreciation of the Queen's support.

"Thanks to you, our school has become beautiful," she said, noting that the changes positively impacted the students' academic performance.

During her tour of the school, the Queen met with members of the committee, which included representatives of the local community, underlining the importance of their role in supporting Madrasati programmes to advance the school and uphold it as a community centre.

Her Majesty also checked on the school gym and watched students participating in sports activities. She inquired about their involvement in these activities and also checked whether the school has sufficient sports equipment and facilities.

RHAS Director General Inaam Breishi briefed the Queen on the society's programme and goals, mainly effecting a change in school environments.

The healthy school project is designed to promote health-related activities to ensure a sound educational environment and secure a better future for young people.

Prior to the programme implementation, a specialised committee comprising representatives from the ministries of health and education, WHO and UNICEF, drew up health standards to be included in the project, which cover the following areas: Management and leadership, physical activity, diet and social and psychological support.

Established in August 2005, the RHAS is a non-profit organisation that aims to enhance the overall well-being of the community by raising health awareness and empowering Jordanians to embrace healthy life styles and behaviour.

© Jordan Times 2009

 

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