This is a valuable resource to assist staff in schools to understand and educate students around mental health education and hauora – a Māori philosophy of health and wellbeing.
The aim of the book is to develop knowledge, understanding and skills based on the New Zealand Health curriculum. It does not try to change behaviours or “fix” health issues, although encouragement for health activism is given in some of the lesson plans. The introduction is important to read as it gives an understanding of the aims of the resource and how it fits with the curriculum.
The authors provide guidance to enable students to critically question issues of inequalities, racism and discrimination. The lessons contain links to further resources and offer the flexibility to tailor the lessons to students.
For any school staff wanting additional resources on mental health and hauora this is a must-have. I have not used the electronic resource but would imagine this to be a useful resource for every school.
Reviewed by Michelle Hull, Team Leader, Health Promoting Schools Service, Auckland District Health Board