The Health Promoting School (HPS) framework promulgated by the World Health Organization aims to strengthen a school's capacity as a healthy setting for living, learning and working through a concerted effort of all its members and the community. The framework has been adopted in many countries and places around the world. It is found to be effective to improve the physical, mental and social health of the students in school settings.
The word “Whole” coveys the core value of the “Whole School Health Programme (全校園健康計劃)” in three perspectives, namely a whole-school approach, comprehensive health information, and a long-term development. The programme name resonates with the advocacy of multi-stakeholder engagement, diverse health themes including Healthy Eating, Physical Activity, Mental Health and Social Well-Being, and sustainability of health promotion in school setting.
A smiley face Emoji with jelly-shiny touch was devised in the Logomark and built into the word “Whole” in the Logo design of the programme. It represents a smile and expression of satisfaction of human being. Creating a positive and welcoming tone that appeals to all individuals, the Logomark and design elicit a sense of unity, partnership, and enthusiasm of the programme. All these symbolic meanings are also reflected in the programme slogan – “Whole School, Whole Health”.
Participating schools are required to sign the "Whole School Health Charter" and commit to formulate strategies to promote health under the "Health Promoting School framework” according to school-based needs. Schools are able to join different school categories of the programme, namely, “Pledged Schools”, “Action Schools”, and “Advanced Schools”, in accord to their school-based experience, developmental plan and available resources.
Level of Education: School
Lead Organisation: Student Health Service, Department of Health, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
