Press Release
Press Release from Health and Family Welfare Department
Information & Public Relations Department
Gangtok, July 22:
Four days workshop for School Health and Wellness Ambassadors from private schools for implementing life skills curriculum in Private schools under School Health and Wellness Program organized by Rastriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), Health and Welfare Department Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with Sikkim INSPIRES started from today at Training Hall of SCERT, Burtuk.
The program had the presence of Shri. Tashi Chopel, Secretary, School Education as the Chief Guest along with Dr. DC Sharma, Principal Director, Health and Family Welfare Department, Mrs. Roshnila Gurung, Assistant Director and E&S Nodal Officer at Sikkim INSPIRES, Planning & Development Department.
The resource persons are Master Trainers from Health, SCERT, and DIET Education Department.
SHWP is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education.
It has been implemented to ensure the physical as well as mental well-being of school going students.
This workshop will train the Private School teachers on Life Skills mainly focusing on 11 thematic areas.
After the completion of the workshop, they will serve as Health and Wellness Ambassadors in their respective schools.
Dr. Tenzing Norzam Bhutia,Lecturer,DIET Burtuk delivered a welcome speech followed by a brief overview of the SHWP by Dr. Karma Chaden Bhutia, State Nodal for School Health and Wellness Program.
Mrs.Roshnila Gurung, briefly introduced the program as an evidence-based initiative tailored to address the specific needs of Sikkim’s youth and women. She highlighted the integration of Life Skills Education under RKSK as a key component aimed at promoting mental well-being and resilience among students.
Secretary, Education Department,Shri.Tashi Chopel addressed the gathering with a strong message of collaboration and responsibility. Referring to the guiding framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Secretary emphasized that both government and private schools must align with its vision of holistic and value-based education.
He stressed the importance of foundational teacher qualifications, urging all private school educators to complete the DLED (Diploma in Elementary Education) and STET( State Teacher Eligibility Test which is a mandatory criteria.
As a key directive, he called for the compulsory formation of "Prahari Clubs" in every school—student-led initiatives supported by teachers to act as peer support helping to identify and deter the use or possession of harmful substances within school premises.
In addition, the Secretary encouraged the active functioning of Eco Clubs to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices among students. He also reiterated the need for schools to create a safe and healthy environment by declaring school campuses as Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (TOFEI) in accordance with national guidelines.
His address set the tone for a proactive, youth-led approach to school health, emphasizing the critical role of Health and Wellness Ambassadors in shaping a safer, healthier, and more empowered student community.
Later Dr.Sonam O.Lassopa,Nodal Officer for Sikkim INSPIRES, Health Department proposed vote of thanks.
Four days workshop for School Health and Wellness Ambassadors from private schools for implementing life skills curriculum in Private schools under School Health and Wellness Program organized by Rastriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK), Health and Welfare Department Government of Sikkim, in collaboration with Sikkim INSPIRES started from today at Training Hall of SCERT, Burtuk.
The program had the presence of Shri. Tashi Chopel, Secretary, School Education as the Chief Guest along with Dr. DC Sharma, Principal Director, Health and Family Welfare Department, Mrs. Roshnila Gurung, Assistant Director and E&S Nodal Officer at Sikkim INSPIRES, Planning & Development Department.
The resource persons are Master Trainers from Health, SCERT, and DIET Education Department.
SHWP is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education.
It has been implemented to ensure the physical as well as mental well-being of school going students.
This workshop will train the Private School teachers on Life Skills mainly focusing on 11 thematic areas.
After the completion of the workshop, they will serve as Health and Wellness Ambassadors in their respective schools.
Dr. Tenzing Norzam Bhutia,Lecturer,DIET Burtuk delivered a welcome speech followed by a brief overview of the SHWP by Dr. Karma Chaden Bhutia, State Nodal for School Health and Wellness Program.
Mrs.Roshnila Gurung, briefly introduced the program as an evidence-based initiative tailored to address the specific needs of Sikkim’s youth and women. She highlighted the integration of Life Skills Education under RKSK as a key component aimed at promoting mental well-being and resilience among students.
Secretary, Education Department,Shri.Tashi Chopel addressed the gathering with a strong message of collaboration and responsibility. Referring to the guiding framework of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Secretary emphasized that both government and private schools must align with its vision of holistic and value-based education.
He stressed the importance of foundational teacher qualifications, urging all private school educators to complete the DLED (Diploma in Elementary Education) and STET( State Teacher Eligibility Test which is a mandatory criteria.
As a key directive, he called for the compulsory formation of "Prahari Clubs" in every school—student-led initiatives supported by teachers to act as peer support helping to identify and deter the use or possession of harmful substances within school premises.
In addition, the Secretary encouraged the active functioning of Eco Clubs to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices among students. He also reiterated the need for schools to create a safe and healthy environment by declaring school campuses as Tobacco-Free Educational Institutions (TOFEI) in accordance with national guidelines.
His address set the tone for a proactive, youth-led approach to school health, emphasizing the critical role of Health and Wellness Ambassadors in shaping a safer, healthier, and more empowered student community.
Later Dr.Sonam O.Lassopa,Nodal Officer for Sikkim INSPIRES, Health Department proposed vote of thanks.
