Why Dengue Awareness Matters
Dengue fever, transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, is one of the fastest-spreading vector-borne diseases in Pakistan. Every year, as monsoon rains arrive, dengue outbreaks pose a significant risk to communities, schools, and families. The Government of Punjab has taken proactive steps to curb its spread by conducting awareness campaigns, school inspections, and training sessions to ensure preventive measures are understood and practiced.
Recognizing the role of schools as centers of community awareness and behavioral change, the Government of Punjab visited The Renaissance Education System, Tres AIT Campus in Allama Iqbal Town, Lahore, to conduct a Dengue Awareness Session.
The event combined a school inspection, awareness talk, and training activities, ensuring that both students and staff became ambassadors of dengue prevention in their homes and communities.
Government of Punjab Inspection and Visit
On the scheduled day, a Government of Punjab Health Inspection Team arrived at the campus. Their primary objectives were:
- To inspect the school premises for any potential mosquito breeding sites.
- To ensure compliance with preventive guidelines issued by the health department.
- To conduct a session with school staff and students about dengue awareness.
The inspection team carefully examined classrooms, playgrounds, washrooms, storage areas, water tanks, and gardens.
The outcome of the inspection was highly commendable:
✨ The inspection team expressed their satisfaction that no traces of stagnant water or breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes were found.
✨ They praised the school administration for maintaining hygienic conditions and implementing preventive strategies.
✨ They acknowledged that the school environment demonstrated a model for dengue prevention in educational institutions.
The Awareness Session: Educating Staff and Students
Following the inspection, the Government of Punjab representatives conducted a comprehensive awareness session in the school auditorium. Both teachers and students participated actively, making it a collaborative learning experience.
Key Topics Covered in the Session
- Understanding Dengue Fever
- What is dengue?
- How it spreads through Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
- Symptoms of dengue: high fever, body pain, skin rashes, and fatigue.
- Prevention Methods
- Elimination of stagnant water from open containers, pots, and coolers.
- Regular cleaning of water tanks and drains.
- Use of mosquito repellents, nets, and protective clothing.
- School-Specific Precautions
- Daily cleaning of classrooms and washrooms.
- Checking flowerpots, playground corners, and rooftops for stagnant water.
- Encouraging students to wear full sleeves and light-colored clothing during mosquito season.
- Early Detection and Medical Care
- Importance of immediate consultation with doctors if symptoms arise.
- Dangers of self-medication.
- Role of parents in early detection.
Student Participation: Learning Through Activities
The session was designed to be interactive and engaging. Students participated in different activities that reinforced their understanding.
- Question-Answer Session: Students asked intelligent questions about how dengue spreads, why mosquitoes bite more at night, and how to protect their families.
- Role Plays & Skits: Middle school students performed a short skit showing how improper water management at home can lead to dengue, and how awareness saves lives.
- Poster Competition: Art students displayed posters with slogans like “Stop Dengue, Save Lives” and “Cleanliness is the Key to Prevention.”
- PG & Junior Classes: Younger children were taught simple rhymes and songs about cleanliness and protecting themselves from mosquito bites.
This child-centered learning ensured that dengue prevention became not just a lecture but a memorable learning experience.
Teacher and Staff Involvement
Teachers played a key role in supporting the session. They attended the awareness program to gain updated knowledge about dengue prevention, which they could later incorporate into their classroom discussions and school activities.
Staff members were trained on:
- Monitoring cleanliness daily.
- Reporting any signs of stagnant water.
- Educating students on the importance of hygiene.
The school principal appreciated the Government of Punjab’s initiative, stating:
“Dengue is a community issue, not just a health issue. By involving schools, we ensure that the message of prevention reaches every home. At The Renaissance Education System, we take this responsibility seriously and are committed to keeping our campus dengue-free.”
The Role of The Renaissance Education System in Health Awareness
The Renaissance Education System, Tres AIT Campus, has always believed in holistic education—developing not only intellectual skills but also social responsibility and health awareness among students.
The school has already been practicing:
- Weekly cleanliness drives with student participation.
- Health and hygiene discussions integrated into the curriculum.
- Collaboration with parents to promote preventive habits at home.
This dengue awareness session further strengthened the school’s commitment to making its students health-conscious citizens who take proactive roles in community well-being.
Impact on Students and Community
The immediate impact of the session was evident:
- Students became dengue ambassadors, carrying knowledge back to their families.
- Parents expressed appreciation for the school’s initiative in protecting their children.
- The school gained recognition as a model dengue-safe campus in Allama Iqbal Town.
Long-term, this event ensures that students practice and spread awareness about dengue prevention not just during outbreaks but as a continuous lifestyle habit.
Future Steps and Sustainability
The Renaissance Education System, Tres AIT Campus, announced future steps to sustain dengue awareness:
- Monthly Inspections: The school administration will continue internal inspections to ensure the premises remain mosquito-free.
- Health Education Sessions: Regular health talks for students on topics like dengue, hygiene, and nutrition.
- Parental Involvement: Circulars and workshops to guide parents in preventing dengue at home.
- Student-Led Campaigns: Older students will design peer-to-peer campaigns to spread awareness within the community.
Conclusion: A Model for Other Schools
The Dengue Awareness Session by the Government of Punjab at The Renaissance Education System (A Project of The City School), Tres AIT Campus was a resounding success. The inspection team’s approval, the active participation of students and staff, and the school’s commitment to long-term health education proved that effective awareness is possible when institutions and governments work hand-in-hand.
By turning awareness into actionable practices, the school set a shining example for other institutions across Lahore and Pakistan.
✨ On this day, the message was clear:
“A Dengue-Free School is Possible. Together, We Can Stop Dengue.”
📌 School Details:
The Renaissance Education System (A Project of The City School), Tres AIT Campus
417, Pilot Street, Pak Block, Allama Iqbal Town, Lahore, Pakistan, 54000
📞 Contact: 0328-3666111
📍 Opposite Unique Science Academy