The Zimbabwe School Health Policy provides a broad frame of reference to guide the implementation of several health-related issues relevant to the welfare of learners in the school system as well as staff. This Guide has been developed as a resource to strengthen the responsiveness of schools to the psycho-social needs of learners and staff, particularly in the event of traumatic events that may affect individuals ,part of or the whole school community. In the context of climatic change adaptation and the National Disaster Preparedness Plan, it is important for every school to have an established Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Programme which includes age-appropriate precautionary measures , as well as recovery and resilience support for learners and staff, with built-in disability inclusive interventions.
The handbook was developed as part of an information and communication package to strengthen the provision to psycho-social support to learners and school staff in working through any traumatic event that may be experienced by individuals, groups or the entire school community at any time. The handbook provides support to learners at the Infant school level through age appropriate activities such as storytelling and discussion, songs, dances, drawings and drama. Learners at the junior and secondary school levels could use play activities for their age groups and written storytelling, poetry, expressive arts and discussion platforms.
Accompanying the Guide is a Workbook for learners affected by a traumatic experience. The workbook provides exercises that the learner uses to articulate their traumatic experience, including family and community.
