FRANCAIS

September 22, 2004

The successful Healthy Schools pilot project will expand to provide more information on school and community-based healthy activities for children and teens, Jim Rondeau, minister responsible for Healthy Child Manitoba, and Peter Bjornson, minister of education, citizenship and youth, announced today.

"I am pleased we are now able to create Healthy Schools partnerships among all school divisions, parents and students," said Rondeau. "Good health is necessary for learning. By involving students, schools, regional health authorities and community organizations, Healthy Schools will support unique responses to the health issues of students."

Healthy Schools, which will further enhance the physical, emotional and social health of students, their families, school staff and school communities, is being supported with up to $250,000 in funding from Healthy Child Manitoba. Based on consultations with key stakeholders, Healthy Schools includes both locally-based activities and provincewide components.

"We are encouraged by the progress of Healthy Schools which has built on community development work already done by parents, educators and health professionals," said Bjornson. "We know families, school staff and community partners can positively influence the health of children and teens. Healthy Schools also complements our ongoing support for school-based campaigns on issues such as increasing students’ physical activities, proper nutrition and injury prevention."

As part of an overall framework plan, funds are being provided to school divisions to develop implementation plans in partnership with other community partners. These locally-developed plans will address a range of priorities including further promotion of physical activities, proper eating, healthier lifestyles, and improvement of mental health and smoking cessation initiatives.

Healthy development of children and teens is a Healthy Child Manitoba core commitment and supports ongoing efforts focused on the early years of a child’s growth. This year, through Healthy Child Manitoba, the Government of Manitoba will provide over $20 million to various community partners across the province to support the healthy development of children and teenagers.

Healthy Child Manitoba puts the well-being of children and families first. This cross-departmental effort is led by the Healthy Child Committee of Cabinet, chaired by Rondeau and including the ministers of Aboriginal and northern affairs; culture, heritage and tourism; education, citizenship and youth; family services and housing; health; justice; and the status of women.

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