Assessing the Implementation of one of the Principles of Child Friendly School Model in Public Primary and Secondary Schools in Enugu State.

Abstract

Child Friendly School Model is an innovative strategy developed in United Nations level to enhance grassroots education for all children irrespective of race, nationality, gender, or physical disabilities. This model was developed to meet the requirements of trendy education practices in schools especially in developing countries including Nigeria. The purpose is to help salvage the salient lapses in some areas in basic educational system, such as poor enrolment and increase in school dropouts in public schools. To meet the objectives of enhancing grassroots education, Child Friendly School Model follows fundamental principles that guide its system and management. One of these principles is that schools must have healthy and health-seeking environments. Unfortunately, many public schools in Enugu State do not implement this principle. Survey design guided this study. The population of this study was the entire teachers and school heads in primary and Secondary Public Schools in Enugu State. 600 respondents were sampled, using stratified random sampling technique. Out of this, 300 respondents each were drawn from both Primary and Secondary Schools. A structured questionnaire containing 14 items was used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using mean scores with standard deviations, derived from a 4-point rating scale. The results revealed that public schools in Enugu State do not have healthy and health-seeking environments. School children do not receive medical attention in the school, there are no adequate first Aid supplies, and sick-bays are not available in the school among other problems.