In general, schools are not seen as institutions where “whole child” development is prioritised. Rather, they aim to impart knowledge and skills that will equip learners for tertiary education and the world of work.
However, the physical and mental health of students is closely allied to their mental health, according to Daniel Gallagher, assistant superintendent at the Bound Brook School District in New Jersey, US. Gallagher says that a holistic approach recognises “the importance of addressing both mental and physical health in order to create a safe and supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally”.
Creating an enabling environment
Despite an intensive focus on academics, much has been done by various stakeholders to create an environment where “whole learner” development is prioritised in South African schools.
The Department of Basic Education, organised labour, the private sector and community constituents at the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) signed an accord that set out to strengthen basic education in the country. The Accord on Basic Education was signed in 2011.
The aim was to enrich the programmes of the Quality Learning and Teaching Campaign (QLTC), which was launched in 2008, and set out to mobilise stakeholders and broader communities to improve schools and promote quality education.
“[It is important to adress] both mental and physical health in order to create a safe and supportive environment where students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally.”
In 2012, the Integrated School Health Policy (ISHP) was rolled out to improve health and support services within schools, but under-resourced government schools were not equipped to address the psychosocial challenges experienced by learners.
These initiatives have provided the mandate for the Adopt-a-School intervention. This intervention aims to implement whole school development in poorly performing schools, with individual businesses working collectively with social partners to prioritise proper governance, working infrastructure, teaching development, access to water and sanitation, an adequate supply of textbooks and school safety.
Improving physical and psychological safety
The Adopt-a-School intervention has set out to improve physical and psychological safety in schools.
The Thari Programme, an initiative of the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation, has facilitated three pillars of support at eight schools in Botshabelo and one in Diepsloot in Gauteng: psychosocial support; safe park services (soccer, netball, chess, Scrabble, and homework supervision); and a multi-sectoral approach to improving education outcomes.
The Foundation’s social welfare programme also plays a key role in supporting learners, focusing on health and social issues that include sanitation, sexual education, visual and hearing support, parental workshops and support for orphaned and vulnerable children.
“Investing in whole school development helps to create an enabling environment in which learners are empowered to grow and learn.”
Because schools are affected by vandalism, robberies, gangsterism, violent attacks, the verbal abuse of teachers, intimidation, bullying, teenage pregnancy and drugs, it is helpful to invest in psychosocial support for learners. Initiatives rolled out in partnership with the Department of Basic Education include counselling and mental health services provided by social workers, community outreach programmes and after-school programmes. These initiatives are inclusive and gender-sensitive, with children’s health and wellbeing seen as paramount.
How whole school development benefits schools
As Gallagher points out, holistic interventions can help to:
- Foster social-emotional learning, where skills like empathy, teamwork and self-regulation can improve academics and later performance in the workplace.
- Identify any mental health issues learners may have and connect them with the resources they need.
- Foster healthy habits and coping skills in learners, including managing stress and anxiety and making better life choices.
Investing in whole school development helps to create an enabling environment in which learners are empowered to grow and learn. It is important to cultivate a sense of safety and belonging, especially for learners who may find this lacking within their homes or communities.
These interventions also help learners to develop skills and mindsets that will prepare them for a successful post-school future.
