Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
GOVERNMENT has scaled up efforts to protect the educational and health well-being of students at institutions of higher learning after launching the second phase of the ‘Our Rights, Our Health, Our Future’ (O3) Plus programme, which is set to run until 2029.
Government has joined hands with UNESCO to roll out the Second Phase of the O3 Plus programme, which was set in motion at the National University of Science and Technology in Bulawayo this Thursday.
Over 50 higher and tertiary institutions are set to benefit from the wellness programme, which was piloted using 12 institutions under phase one between 2021 and 2025.
“Today, we celebrate a milestone in our higher and tertiary education. When institutions of higher learning become safe spaces, innovation can thrive,” Zimbabwe National Commission for UNESCO’s Secretary General Ms Margaret Chirapa
With the second phase of the programme that supports adolescents and young people in making informed decisions about their health and well-being, set to run until 2029, National Programme Officer for Education in Health and Well-being, Mrs Pennelope Kasere pointed out key objectives of the programme.
“Phase one gave us proof that promoting wellness in tertiary institutions helps build safer spaces. In the second phase, we are building on the successes record during the first phase of the implementation of the programme.”
Government says the programme that affirms its quest to protect students from abuses is in line with national goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“This programme is in line with our quest to protect students from abuses in institutions of higher and tertiary education. It also speaks to the national objectives and the UN SDG goals,” the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Ambassador Frederick Shava said.
The O3 plus programme has strengthened on-campus health facilities and enabled students to access HIV testing services at youth-friendly centres.
“We can confirm that the vision to promote the well-being of young people is taking shape. This milestone achievement marks a significant shift from isolated to a comprehensive programme,” officer in charge of the UNESCO Regional Office for Southern Africa, Professor Martiale Kana noted
Zimbabwe, together with other nations like Kenya and Zambia, among others, is a key beneficiary of the O3 plus programme.
