The Prime Minister Hon. Hu’akavameiliku and Minister of Education commended the hard work by schools to improve the health standards of their environment and health promoting practices.

“Health promotion in our schools in no longer just about conducting health education lessons in the classrooms, but also encouraging to create an environment, which is healthy and to contribute for learning and teaching.

“This is in line with the WHO's health promoting school concept that many countries have adopted, signifying the importance of schools in promoting health and holistic development,” he said.

"As we prepare students to thrive in the future, we know that it is also important to promote the development of healthy habits in our schools... Now more than ever, stakeholders need to work together to prepare schools to become health promotion settings."

The PM said that a number of schools participating in the accreditation program had increased from 38 to 46 schools this year.

"The enthusiastic response from our schools shows that while they are striving towards academic excellence, they are also working towards the improving of physical, emotional and social health of their students and staff.”

The PM said that the importance of healthy lifestyle cannot be over-emphasized in today’s environment. Stroke, hypertension, diabetes are all common health problems affecting Tongans. Some risk factors with these diseases include an inactive lifestyle, smoking and obesity.

Poor mental health and an unrestrained lifestyle can also affect overall well-being.

“These habits if not prevented or addressed when they are young, can cause serious problems during adulthood. For school health promotion to be effective, we need schools to continue to sustain their efforts in promoting good health.”

Assistance

WHO Head of Country Liaison Officer Tonga, Dr Yutaro Setoya, said the children are our future and we can make the next generation a healthy generation.

The HPS program is a global intiiative that takes a whole school approach to the development of children, where all members in the school community provide chldren with positive experiences and structures to promote and protect their heatlh, while reducing the chances of geting certain diseases later in their lives.

In Tonga in 2019, the program was renewed, and with commitment from stakeholders was strengthened with clear guidance to enhance partnership approach.

He acknowledged the renewed commitment of funding support from Government of Japan and Tonga Health for the awards today.

The focus areas of this program includes diet, physical activity, water sanitation and hygiene, well being, including mental health.

He said many improvements had been made, with the school food policy being introduced that saw less unhealthy food being sold in school premises, encouraging children to bring healthy food.

Vegetable gardens were established in many schools, hand washing basin and toilets have were improved to training of teachers, he said.

The Japanese Ambassador to Tonga, HE Mr Munenaga Kensaku, commended this vital program for healthy living.

"I hope this prioject helps you learn the value of healthy lifestyle and to equip you with the means to protect yourselves and your family."

He acknowledged the efforts by WHO and relevant Ministries in facilitating this project, especially during difficult times.

“I thank all schools and the Ministry of Education for their continued cooperation to achieve the project's expected outcomes that will further promote the friendship between Tonga and Japan,” said the Ambassador.

Awards

The bronze awards were presented to 16 schools, including GPS/GMS [Government Primary/Middle Schools] of Veitongo, Ha'amonga, Malapo, Talafo'ou, Fua'amotu, Holonga, Tu'aliku, Matahau, Kahoua, Fanga, Nuku'alofa, Fasi, Hala-'o-vave with Taikuilau College and Tailulu College.

Silver Awards were awarded to eight schools of Navutoka, Haveluloto, Hofoa, Puke, Kanokupolu, Ngele'ia, Popua and Tonga Side School. 

Gold awards were presented to 21 schools, GPS Mu'a/Tatakamotonga, GPS Afa, GPS Hoi, GPS Folaha, GMS Longolongo, GMS Te'ekiu, GMS Fatai, GMS Ha'alalo, GMS Fahefa, GMS Kolomotu'a, GPS Pea, GMS Ma'ufanga, GMS 'Atele, GMS Kai'avale, GMS Ha'asini, GMS Longoteme, GMS Kolovai and Non-Government schools including, St Francis, Beaulah Adventist primary school, Hillard Memorial School and Lavengamalie Christian Elementary School.

The Platinum Award was presented to GMS Tokomololo.