Making it easier for children to talk: Kerala's proposed approach to student well-being

ALAPPUZHA: Children may sometimes find it easier to share their worries with friends than to approach a teacher or counsellor. Building on this trust between peers, Kerala’s Health Department is planning a Student Health Cadet (SHC) Programme that will train higher secondary and college students to identify health concerns and help connect those in need with appropriate support.

Under the proposed initiative, trained student health cadets will help identify physical, mental, social and behavioural problems among fellow students, their family members and people in their neighbourhoods. The programme aims to help recognise health concerns early and recommend preventive measures and remedies.

The initiative also envisages taking peer support beyond the classroom, with student cadets helping to understand children's problems through contact with their families and communities.

The broader objective is to make young people the first link in a chain of disease prevention and support for those living with health conditions. The cadets will be trained to promote healthy lifestyles, responsible health behaviour and health literacy, while also addressing mental health, emotional problem-solving, first aid, anti-drug awareness and palliative care awareness.

From health awareness to emergency response

The programme will provide training in disease prevention, road safety, first aid, emergency response and basic life-saving techniques. The services of student health cadets may also be used during disasters.

Beyond their educational institutions, students will be encouraged to participate in community health activities and palliative care initiatives, including efforts to serve older people. The aim is to extend their contribution to the wider community and enable them to offer physical and mental support to people who are ill.

140 institutions in the first phase

The proposed programme will initially cover 140 educational institutions across Kerala, with representation from all Assembly constituencies. The first phase will include 70 higher secondary schools and 70 colleges.

The approach draws on the possibility that students may feel more comfortable discussing their concerns with fellow students before approaching a teacher or counsellor. With appropriate training, the programme aims to turn that willingness to confide in peers into an organised network for health awareness, early identification of problems and support.

The State Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM) has submitted the proposal to the government. The NHM state mission directorate will lead the programme by coordinating the Health, General Education and Higher Education departments.

The long-term aim is to develop a sustainable health-promotion network that can be expanded in phases across the state.