A service learning subject cultivates university freshmen’s social responsibility through a health ambassador scheme : mentoring health ambassadors in school communities

Abstract

A Health Ambassador Scheme (HAS) was established at the World Health Organization Collaborating Centre (WHO CC) School of Nursing, PolyU in 2010 with the aim of promoting health by giving university and primary school students opportunities for engagement and leadership. University students acted as the mentors of the primary school students. The HAS provides a framework for engaging school communities in healthy eating and active living. It involves a holistic approach and a communitycampus partnership in which both sides work together to create an environment that has a positive impact on a child’s health and learning. Healthy children make better learners, and better educated children are healthier. It is an innovative and effective approach to communicating important health information to peers in school communities. School policy makers can integrate the components of the HAS into school health policy to enable young leaders to promote health with a sense of belonging in school communities.