BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN: The Ministry of Education (MoE) through the Department of Schools organised the Anti-Tobacco Awareness Education Programme and Procedures for Addressing Smoking or Vaping Offences at the School Level on Tuesday (April 15).
The programme was held at Raja Isteri Girls High School (STPRI).
The initiative by the Department of Schools aimed at raising awareness and addressing social issues associated with student disciplinary offences related to the use of tobacco or vaping within the school environment.
The programme also supports MoE’s involvement in the Cross Functional Teams for Health (CFT) 2022–2025 initiative, specifically contributing to the key action of ‘Giving every child the best start in life’.
The programme featured briefings by the Health Enforcement Division, Health Promotion Centre at the Ministry of Health; the Royal Customs and Excise Department at the Ministry of Finance and Economy; and the Student Welfare and Development Unit from the Student Affairs Division, Department of Schools, MoE.
Attendees included school leaders, senior teachers for student affairs, and chairpersons of the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) from schools within Zone 1.
The programme’s primary objectives are to increase students’ awareness of the health risks associated with tobacco and vaping, providing an understanding of their negative effects on health and academic performance through a guidance-based approach and various educational and awareness programmes within schools.
The programme aimed at enhancing awareness among students, parents, the PTA, penghulus and village heads regarding guidelines and school actions in addressing tobacco and vaping-related offences.
Similar programmes are scheduled for schools under Zone 3 at Tutong Sixth Form Centre today and for schools under Zone 2 on at Sengkurong Sixth Form Centre on Saturday.
It is hoped that the programme will enable students, teachers, parents, the entire school community, and society at large to better understand their roles in addressing school disciplinary issues involving tobacco and vape use, along with action to be taken against those involved. – Borneo Bulletin/ANN
