HPB introduces Health Programme for Youths

SINGAPORE – The Health Promotion Board (HPB) today introduced a programme that aims to encourage youths to develop their personal abilities to help make a difference to the community.

The “What Youths Can Do” programme is a collaboration with the four secondary schools in the Marsiling constituency – Fuchun Secondary School, Marsiling Secondary School, Siling Secondary School and Woodlands Secondary School.

Under the programme, students, guided and mentored by adult health ambassadors, have the opportunity to be involved in health outreach efforts.

They will help the ambassadors conduct simple health checks for residents visiting the community club.

The students will also co-lead healthy activities, such as exercise classes and brisk walking, as well as reach out to residents in the community to advocate for a smoke-free environment.

Officially kickstarting the programme was adviser to the Marsiling grassroots organisations Hawazi Daipi, who said he wanted to ensure healthy lifestyle practices were easy to adopt.

One way to achieve this is to make healthier eating choices like the Rasa Rasa Food Fiesta Restaurant more convenient and affordable for residents.

There will also be customised health programmes, including nutrition workshops and healthier food trails.

HPB’s CEO Ang Hak Seng said when young people are involved in health promotion within their community, it is good for both the young and the community.

HPB aims to train 1,000 student youth ambassadors in secondary schools across Singapore and facilitate their involvement in their communities under the “What Youths Can Do” programme by the end of 2015.

The programme is part of HPB’s broader blueprint to develop the Marsiling constituency as a health-promoting ecosystem.

Source: Todayonline.com

Category: Community