GABORONE, Dec. 12– Botswana’s Minister of Child Welfare and Basic Education Nono Kgafela Mokoka on Thursday emphasized that adolescent wellbeing is a foundational element for effective learning and future success.
Mokoka made the remarks in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, at a national report dissemination event to present the findings of the Global School-Based Student Health Survey conducted in September 2024.
She said the information allows the government to track trends in behavior, identify areas of concern, and fortify protective measures for young people, as well as set evidence-based priorities, develop relevant interventions, and advocate for necessary resources.
She explained that the data is critical for identifying key health risks, understanding protective factors, enhancing school health programs, and supporting initiatives in mental health, hygiene, and nutrition.
The survey targeted learners aged 13 to 17 across 34 schools in 16 sub-educational regions, with a total of 2,485 students participating, according to the report.
It was implemented by the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education, the Ministry of Local Government and Traditional Affairs, in partnership with the World Health Organization and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. (Namibia Daily News/Xinhua)
