Members and patrons of Public and Private School Health Clubs are sensitive to the prevention and control of COVID-19 from 03 to 09 November 2020 in the four educational zones. This activity was organized by the Ministry of Education, Tertiary Education, Science and Technology in close collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the World Health Organization with the support of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.
Evidence-based information and facts about COVID-19 were shared with the students to help reduce the students’ fears and worries about the disease and their ability to deal with any secondary consequences in their lives. It was also an opportunity to build the capacity of members and customers of the school health clubs to strengthen their knowledge and skills on basic microbiology, COVID-19, Infection Prevention and Control, standard precautions regarding hand hygiene and respiratory hygiene, the concept of social distance and the importance of wearing personal protective equipment, including face mask, face shield, gloves and goggles.
Learning took place through interactive sessions, demonstrations, watching videos and group discussion. During outbreak sessions, students and patrons reflected on their respective roles as critical thinkers, effective communicators, and active citizens to prevent and address stigma attached to COVID-19. Participants also discussed the importance of the safety of the school environment, how to address mental health and psychosocial support needs, and high-risk behaviors observed at schools. A module manual for the prevention and control of infections was distributed to the pupils as a training tool.
11 awareness workshops were held in the four educational zones on the mainland of Mauritius to reach students as well as patrons of public and private schools. A total of 98 patrons and 157 students are now equipped to act as good mentors and peer leaders in their respective health clubs. This activity will be repeated in Rodrigues in January 2021.