The District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Leh, in collaboration with the Health Department, Leh, commenced a three-day orientation programme on November 10 under the Ayushman Bharat – School Health and Wellness Programme (AB-SHWP) for designated School Health and Wellness Ambassadors from various educational zones of Leh district.

The programme is being conducted at DIET Leh in two batches, with approximately 95 participants, including designated teachers, zone adolescent counselors and representatives from different educational zones.

The programme is a joint initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Education, Government of India, aimed at promoting holistic health, well-being and healthy lifestyle practices among school-going children through structured and activity-based health education.

The inaugural session was graced by Sonam Dorjey Namgyal, Principal, DIET Leh, in the presence of Dr. Rinchen Angmo, District Immunization Officer and Nodal Officer, RKSK, CMO Office Leh; Dr. Zahid, Paediatrician, SNM Hospital; Dr. Shaheena Parveen, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Tele-MANAS; and Deachen Dolkar, District Programme Officer, RKSK. The dignitaries were welcomed by the Principal, DIET Leh, with traditional Ladakhi khataks, reflecting the region's rich cultural tradition of honour and hospitality.

The first technical session introduced participants to the School Health and Wellness Programme, its objectives, implementation framework and operational guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Education. The session was facilitated by Dr. Rinchen Angmo and Tsering Angmo, Lecturer, DIET Leh, who highlighted the importance of the programme and the need for coordinated efforts between the education and health departments to create a supportive and health-conscious school environment.

The training subsequently covered various thematic components of the programme, beginning with “Growing Up Healthy,” conducted by Dr. Zahid, Paediatrician, SNM Hospital. The session focused on children's physical growth, developmental needs and the importance of adopting healthy practices during their formative years.

This was followed by a session on “Emotional Well-being and Mental Health,” facilitated by Dr. Shaheena Parveen, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, and Dr. Sajad, Clinical Psychologist, Tele-MANAS. The session emphasised mental health awareness, emotional regulation, identifying psychological concerns and creating a safe and supportive environment where children feel comfortable expressing their feelings and seeking help.

The second half of the day featured a session on “Interpersonal Relationships,” facilitated by Deachen Dolkar, Clinical Psychologist, Tele-MANAS. The discussion highlighted the importance of empathy, mutual respect, effective communication, positive peer relationships and nurturing healthy interactions among students.

The three-day programme will further cover all 11 thematic modules of the School Health and Wellness Programme, equipping participating teachers with the knowledge, skills and practical strategies required to conduct weekly health and wellness sessions in their respective schools.

Through this collaborative initiative, DIET Leh, in coordination with the Health Department, aims to strengthen the capacity of School Health and Wellness Ambassadors to serve as facilitators, role models and advocates of health promotion. The programme seeks to empower teachers to nurture informed, emotionally resilient and health-conscious students while fostering a culture of well-being across schools in Leh district.

The initiative reinforces the vision of holistic education, recognising that a healthy child is better equipped to learn, grow, participate and contribute meaningfully to society.