OAGH BACK TO SCHOOL HEALTH OUTREACH PROGRAM Y2024- 3rd EDITION

The "Back to School Health Outreach Program" is a vital initiative designed to ensure that students are not only academically prepared but also in optimal health as they resume their educational journey. The theme, encapsulates the program’s dual focus on health and education, highlighting the intrinsic link between a child’s well-being and their academic performance.

This initiative by our facility, OAGH, is part of our commitment to giving back to the community by providing free health services at eight different stations.

The program began with essential vital checks, including assessments of blood pressure, pulse rate, temperature, and respiratory rate. These checks are foundational to identifying any underlying health conditions that may impede a child’s ability to participate fully in school activities.

For instance, untreated hypertension or respiratory issues can lead to fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and increased absenteeism. Early detection through these simple, non-invasive checks allows for timely interventions, ensuring that students are physically fit to engage in their studies.

Dental health plays a critical role in a student’s overall well-being. Dental screening followed by scaling and polishing addresses common issues such as cavities, plaque build up, and gum disease.

Poor oral health can lead to pain, distraction, and even missed school days, all of which negatively impact academic performance. By providing these services, the program aimed to eliminate dental problems that could hinder a child’s ability to focus and perform well in school.

Hearing loss is a hidden disability. It is another critical sense that affects a child’s ability to learn. Audiometry tests are conducted to detect any hearing impairments, and ear syringing is provided if necessary to clear any blockages.

Undiagnosed hearing issues can lead to difficulties in understanding lessons, participating in discussions, and socializing with peers, all of which can negatively impact a child’s academic journey. By addressing hearing issues early, the program ensured that students can hear clearly, enhancing their ability to learn and communicate effectively.

Vision is essential for learning, as much of classroom instruction relies on visual materials such as books, boards, and digital screens. The eye checks provided in this program ensured that students with vision impairments were identified and given the corrective glasses they need, free of charge.

Children with uncorrected vision problems may struggle with reading, writing, and participating in classroom discussions, leading to lower academic performance. By offering free corrective glasses, the program removed this barrier, enabling all students to see clearly and thus fully engage with their education.

Beyond physical health, the program also addresses the mental and emotional well-being of students by raising awareness about sexual molestation. Educational sessions are conducted to help students and parents recognize, prevent, and report instances of sexual abuse. This component is crucial because a safe and supportive environment is fundamental to a child’s ability to focus on their studies

Awareness and education on this topic empowered students to protect themselves and seek help when needed, fostering a sense of security that is conducive to academic success.

Nutrition plays a significant role in a child’s cognitive development and academic performance. The program included education on balanced meals, with practical smoothie demonstrations to show students and parents how to incorporate healthy, nutritious foods into their diets.

Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining energy levels, concentration, and overall brain function, all of which are critical for learning. By promoting healthy eating habits, the program supported students in developing the physical and mental stamina needed to excel academically.

The provision of free medication as part of the program ensured that students received the necessary treatment for any health issues identified during the screenings. This component is vital for preventing minor health concerns from escalating into more serious conditions that could disrupt a child’s education.

By making medication accessible to all students, regardless of their financial situation, the program ensured that health issues do not become a barrier to academic success.

Finally, the program offered one-on-one consultations with a paediatrician, who provided a comprehensive health assessment. Students who received a clean bill of health can confidently resume their studies, while those with identified health concerns were referred to specialized clinics in OAGH for further care.

This thorough approach ensures that all students are in good health as they return to school, setting the stage for a successful academic year.

Witnessing parents and their children spending the night on chairs and floors at our facility—an ongoing tradition for the third consecutive year—was deeply moving.

This scene underscores the intense desperation and determination of these families in their pursuit of essential care. Their readiness to endure such hardship highlights the critical need for greater access to healthcare and the extraordinary measures they are willing to take to ensure their loved ones receive the attention and support they need.

The yearly sponsors of our program play a pivotal role in its success and sustainability. Their generous contributions not only provide the necessary financial support but also demonstrate a deep commitment to the well-being of our community. These sponsors (Livestock Feeds Plc,(a subsidiary of UACN) Okachi Charity, Friesland, BSA etc) enabled us to continue to offer critical health services, educational resources, and outreach efforts that would otherwise be unattainable. Their yearly involvement allows us to expand our reach, ensuring that more families benefit from the program each year.

Beyond the tangible resources, their continued support inspires confidence and trust within the community, reinforcing the importance of collaboration in achieving our shared goals. Without their dedication, the impact of our program would be significantly diminished, making their role truly indispensable.

Games during the program is essential for children, serving as a valuable component of the overall health and wellness initiative. Presentations provided a fun and engaging way to ease back into the school routine, helping to alleviate any anxiety or stress associated with the transition. Through playful activities, children can develop social skills, improve coordination, and boost cognitive abilities, all of which are crucial for academic success.

In addition, they also create a positive, energetic environment that encourages physical activity, promoting overall health and well-being.

Healthy competition amongst mothers during the program was important for fostering community and support, reducing stress, and enhancing well-being. It provided a chance for mothers to connect with each other, alleviate anxiety, and build friendships.

Engaging in these activities also serves as a stress reliever and boosted confidence, promoting a positive mindset.

Overall, incorporating games helped create a supportive environment and enriched the experience for both mothers and their families.

The signature board is essential for gathering feedback from children, caregivers, and sponsors on the Back to School program. It allowed children to share their experiences, caregivers to provide insights and suggestions, and sponsors to assess the impact of their contributions.

This collective feedback helped evaluate the program's success, identify areas for improvement, and strengthened relationships with all stakeholders, ensuring continued support and enhancement of the program.

Highlighting our stories with pictures and videos, guided by our dynamic and enthusiastic news crew, offers a compelling and accessible way to showcase the Back to School program’s impact. This visual content vividly portrays the experiences of children, caregivers, and sponsors, capturing real moments and emotions to make the program’s success tangible and relatable to a wider audience.

In conclusion, as Maya Angelou wisely noted, "We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated."

The Back to School program embodies this spirit by overcoming challenges and delivering essential support to our community. Through the collective efforts of everyone involved, we have made a significant impact on the lives of children and families, paving the way for a successful and healthy academic year ahead.