By Dickson Tumuramye
One of the most common challenges among learners today is health-related complaints. Many report illnesses such as ulcers and other gastrointestinal complications, and in some worse scenarios, we have witnessed deaths in schools.
A significant contributor to these bad health conditions is poor eating habits and negligence by school administration. Some learners deliberately skip meals due to peer influence, low appetite, or misconceptions about dieting and body image. Others find the food at school either inadequate in quantity or lacking in quality. Yet food is not just a basic need, it is also a form of preventive medicine.
Food as medicine
Parents must prioritise educating their children on the importance of balanced nutrition and consistent meal times. Regular, nutritious meals help prevent ulcers, boost immunity, support brain function, and maintain the energy levels essential for learning. The popular saying, “Let food be your medicine before medicine becomes your food,” should not be a mere cliché, but a practical lesson reinforced both at home and in school.
Children need to understand that skipping meals may lead to medical conditions which, ironically, require medication that could have been avoided through healthy eating. Schools, on their part, must ensure that meals provided are nutritious, timely, and sufficient. Clear policies should also be established to discourage learners from skipping meals.
Proactive health monitoring in schools
Another often-overlooked contributor to chronic problem in learners is the delay in seeking medical attention. Some students hide symptoms due to fear, embarrassment, or indifference, only reporting when the condition has worsened. This not only disrupts academic progress but can also result in extended hospital stays and long-term health consequences.
Schools must establish functional, well-equipped sick bays with trained nurses to handle minor illnesses, administer first aid, and conduct routine health assessments. The presence of a school nurse is vital—not only for treatment, but also for health education and hygiene promotion. Regular campaigns on handwashing, menstrual health, and personal hygiene should be embedded in the school routine to curb common communicable diseases such as flu, typhoid, scabies, and diarrhoea.
At the same time, parents should encourage their children to seek medical attention at the first sign of discomfort. Learners must be taught that reporting a health concern is not a sign of weakness, but an essential step towards recovery and resilience.
Growing burden of mental health
Today’s learners are under immense psychological pressure-from academic expectations and peer competition to family-related stress and societal demands. Sadly, mental health remains heavily stigmatised in many communities, with learners often suffering in silence under the weight of anxiety, depression, or trauma.
A common issue is “examination fever,” a psychological condition characterised by panic attacks, insomnia and difficulty concentrating as exams approach. In more severe cases, some students turn to drugs, alcohol, or risky behaviour as a way to cope with their emotional distress. This underscores the urgent need for psychosocial support systems in schools.
Every school, especially those with large student populations—should have a qualified counselling psychologist. Regular mental health check-ins, guidance sessions, and targeted interventions for at-risk students should be integrated into school routines. Mental health support should be part of every school’s health policy, not only activated in response to a crisis.
Parents and schools must work together
As custodians of children’s development, parents and educators must collaborate to create an environment where learners can thrive both academically and holistically. This partnership begins with open and consistent communication between schools and families.
Parents should be regularly updated on their children’s health, behavioural changes, or emotional challenges. Some schools do not inform parents about their children’s illnesses until it is too late—an unacceptable practice that must end. Conversely, schools must involve parents in health awareness initiatives, counselling programmes, and school feeding plan reviews.
Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) can play a pivotal role in shaping school health policy.
A healthier learner is a better learner. A child’s health has a direct impact on their academic performance, social interaction, and long-term potential. Investing in learner health is not an optional luxury, it is a fundamental responsibility.
Parents, educators, and policymakers must work collaboratively to promote physical well-being, emotional health, and preventive care within our education system.
When learners grasp the value of proper nutrition, hygiene, and mental resilience, they are more likely to become responsible, productive citizens. Let us meet this challenge with urgency and commitment, for our children’s future depends not only on what they learn, but also on how well they live.
The writer is the Executive Director of Hope Regeneration Africa, a parenting coach, marriage counsellor, and founder of the Men of Purpose mentorship programme.
tumudickson@gmail.com
