Press Release

Press Release from Chief Medical Officer, Pakyong District

Information & Public Relations Department

Date: 11-Apr-2025
4-Day Life Skills Training for School Health and Wellness Ambassadors Concludes Successfully in Pakyong District
Pakyong, April 11: A four-day training programme for School Health and Wellness Ambassadors (SHWAs) focusing on the Life Skills Curriculum under the School Health and Wellness Programme which started on April 07th concluded on April 10, at Lower Samsing, Pakyong District.
The event was organised by the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), District Hospital Singtam, in collaboration with Sikkim Inspires and the Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim.
The training aimed to empower school teachers designated as SHWAs with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to deliver life skills education in their schools, a key component of the Ayushman Bharat School Health and Wellness Programme. Life skills education plays a vital role in shaping the holistic development of adolescents by fostering critical thinking, effective communication, empathy, stress management, and responsible decision-making.
A total of 121 SHWAs participated in the programme from across Pakyong and Gangtok districts. Participants from Pakyong District included SHWAs from Duga and Namcheybong blocks, while SHWAs from Rakdong-Tintek, Martam, Khamdong, and Ranka blocks represented Gangtok District.
The training was conducted through a series of engaging sessions, including interactive lectures, group discussions, hands-on activities, and experience-sharing, all designed to help ambassadors understand and effectively deliver the 11 thematic modules of the life skills curriculum.
The valedictory session held on April 10, 2025, and was graced by Dr. Madan Mani Dhakal, Chief Medical Officer, Pakyong District. Also present were Mr. Kailash Sharma, Assistant Director, District Education Office Pakyong, and Mr. Zigmee Lepcha, Assistant Director, District Education Office Gangtok.
The programme was organised under the leadership and guidance of Dr. Solomit Lepcha, Director-cum-District Reproductive and Child Health Officer (DRCHO), District Hospital Singtam, who played a key role in the overall planning and execution of the training.
Eminent Resource Persons Included:
• Dr. Nim Tshering Lepcha, Assistant Professor, SCERT
• Dr. Chandrani Chettri, Assistant Professor, SCERT
• Dr. Tenzing N. Bhutia, Lecturer, DIET
• Mr. Binod Basnett, Lecturer, DIET
• Mrs. Mandira Kharel, PGT, Dikling SSS
• Miss Dakshina Kharel, PGT, Deorali GSSS
• Dr. Sameer Dhakal, District Hospital Singtam
• Dr. Kuljan Lama, Medical Officer, Pakyong PHC
• Mrs. Bonysha Gurung, Health Education Officer, Sang PHC
These experts facilitated the sessions with dedication and insight, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical approaches to delivering life skills education in schools.
The successful completion of this training marks a significant milestone in strengthening adolescent health initiatives in the state. By building the capacity of SHWAs, the programme ensures that schools become hubs of health promotion, awareness, and support for young students during their formative years.
The Government of Sikkim remains committed to promoting health and well-being among its youth and acknowledges the contribution of all participating educators, trainers, and health officials in making this initiative a success.