The Schools' Wellness Club was launched in May 2002. The programme aims to promote and sustain wellness by helping students and their families meet their physical, financial, intellectual, spiritual and mental health needs. This will impact on the lives of our young people now, and in the future. Additionally, the Club contributes to the well-being of school staff, the creation of healthy school environment and maximizing school achievement through increased awareness of wholesome health practices and wise financial management.
The Schools' Wellness Club is the result of collaboration between three strong
national entities: Blue Cross of Jamaica Limited, Jamaica National Building Society
and Andrews Memorial Hospital. The Programme is expected to change the way
our children view themselves and their environment as well as the quality of
their
lives.
The Wellness Club is being introduced to students in primary, preparatory, all age, secondary and high schools island-wide, who satisfy clearly outlined criteria for membership. Members of the Club must fulfill one of the following requirements:
- Enrolment on a Blue Cross of Jamaica Limited's School Plus Plan
- Be involved in a Jamaica National's Schools' Saving Programme (JN Savers)
- Participants in the Blue Cross of Jamaica Limited’s School Screening Programme
The partnership will establish individual Wellness Clubs targeting at least 50,000 students by 2005, with the following objectives:
- To promote the knowledge of sound financial management techniques and encourage thrift
- To encourage the development of communication, creative/artistic abilities, and provide a medium for the expression and exposure of such talents
- To promote healthy lifestyle choices
The Club operates under the slogan
"Sharing Wellness in our Community".
SWC Mission Statement
To encourage Healthy Lifestyle, Promote Talents and Creative Development,
Provide Exposure to Money Management and facilitate Educational Competition amongst
our nations youth.
SWC Vision Statement
To maintain a strong and viable collaborative effort between sponsors, resource agencies and the community at large to promote healthy lifestyles among youngsters and to work with as many schools as possible throughout the island to improve their quality of life.
Club Activities –
The Club is responsible for developing and implementing activities in their schools and communities based on the topics of health & wellness, thrift & money management and creative development. In addition, they will be required to participate in annual National SWC Competitions and scheduled presentations/talks throughout the year. Clubs are encouraged to initiate at least one major activity each term in the above mentioned areas. Examples:
Productions – drama, dance, music
Exhibitions – health, diet, exercise
Initiate and Maintain Special Projects – Environmental, Humanitarian (Adopt areas for cleaning, animal(s), plant and care for tree(s))
Venture Capital – Start small businesses and donate proceeds to school or community development or charity.
Resource Personnel –
Companies have volunteered to make presentations to various Clubs around the island based on their areas of specialty in assisting students to enhance their lifestyles and help to secure a brighter future. The following companies have agreed to sponsor the Schools Wellness Club programme.
- Colgate Palmolive Ltd.
- Facey Commodity Ltd.
- Johnson & Johnson Ltd.
- Diabetes Association of Jamaica Ltd.
- Heart Foundation of Jamaica
- Jamaica Cultural Development Commission
- Western Regional Health Division
*Listing subject to change
