BY: Emily Mikwa
Capacity building delivery agents today concluded day two of a critical program focusing on sustainable health modules, waste management and mental wellbeing.
Mr. Joseph Amoke initiated the session with a presentation on Waste Management and Composting, defining waste as anything we no longer need. He emphasized the core strategies of the “3 Rs”: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
Amoke provided specific examples for application in school settings, such as avoiding plastic bottles and reusing old ones to create essential garden tools like watering cans or “Eco bricks” for fencing.
Monica Oyanga delved into the Sustainable Health Modules, focusing on balanced diets critical for adolescents. Her advice included consuming whole starchy foods, a minimum of five daily servings of vegetables and fruits, and prioritizing legumes and lean proteins.
Ms. Oyanga stressed the need to limit unhealthy fats, salt, and added sugars, particularly given that food marketing targets young people.
She also covered Physical Activity, distinguishing between moderate-intensity like netball and vigorous-intensity like running, detailing how both improve physical fitness, boost mood, and enhance social connectivity.
The final segment, presented by Faith Maina from the Ministry of Health (MOH), addressed Wellbeing and Mental Health.
Madam Maina outlined the four pillars of wellbeing: Physical, Social, Economic, and Emotional. She clarified that mental health is a spectrum, encompassing general wellbeing, temporary problems, and serious disorders, all requiring care.
She concluded by offering practical stress management techniques, including finding balance, maintaining healthy habits, using creativity like journaling, and seeking necessary support.
The comprehensive training successfully equipped the delivery agents with a holistic toolkit to promote healthier living and environmental stewardship within the urban programme’s target communities.
