WRHA spearheading Jamaica Moves in School initiative

The Jamaica Moves in School (JMIS) initiative, which is designed to combat health ignorance among the youth, has been revitalised in schools in western Jamaica.

The initiative, a project of the Ministry of Health and Wellness, seeks to promote active lifestyles and healthy habits among schools in the western parishes, through efforts by the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA).

"Our students have experienced improvement in their physical health," said Sherine Clarke, the principal at Pell River Primary School, Hanover, in speaking to the success of the initiative.

"They have developed greater strength, flexibility and endurance, leading to enhanced overall fitness levels. They have reported feeling less stressed, more energised, and happier after participating in the exercise sessions," added Clarke.

The initiative entails three five-minute breaks complemented with a designated Water and Fruits Day and an hour of physical activity, which can be broken down into four 25-minute slots per week. However, based on the schools' timetables, the schools' administrators are at liberty to decide how each section will be rostered for maximum benefit.

Pell River Primary School and Sheffield Primary School, in Westmoreland, are among the schools seeing the benefits of the programme. Both schools are managing their daily exercise sessions and initiatives through the representation of student health ambassadors.

Pell River Primary School is one of the first schools to produce a progress report based on achievements since collaborating with the WRHA. The school encourages all students to participate in a weekly Water Day initiative by drinking only water throughout the school day.