EUROPEAN NETWORK FOR HEALTH PROMOTING SCHOOLS (ENHPS)։ FROM STRATEGY TO ACTION
On May 20, 2026, the second gathering of the European Network for Health Promoting Schools (ENHPS) entitled “Health Promoting Schools – from Strategy to Action” was held online.
The meeting was held within the framework of the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF Regional Strategy for Child and Adolescent health and well-being “A Healthy Start for a Healthy Life.”
The aim of the meeting was to inform the participants about the establishment and monitoring of the European Network for Health Promoting Schools, to take stock of the situation regarding Health Promoting Schools (HPS) in participating countries, and to discuss issues related to child protection, national networks, and participatory approaches.
During the meeting, issues related to the regional strategy and the emerging governance of ENHPS. It was noted that:
- ✦ the WHO/UNICEF Regional Strategy for child and adolescent health and well-being identifies HPS, implemented through a whole-school approach, as one of four key “gateways” to address multiple challenges in an integrated way;
- ✦ a substantial number of national focal points have been officially designated by Ministries of Health and Education;
- ✦ a Secretariat hosted by WHO/Europe, supported by the WHO Collaborating Centre for Research in Education and Health (also the UNESCO Chair in Global Health and Education) and EuroHealthNet, is being set up to coordinate meetings, communication and cross-country exchange;
- ✦ a rotating country chair, a research group and an expert group are being established to provide effective leadership and technical input.
One of the speakers of the meeting was Lilit Mnatsakanyan, Director of the Republican Pedagogical-Psychological Center. Mrs. Mnatsakanyan spoke in detail about the systemic developments of the Field of Mental Health and Psychological Support (MHPSS) in the Education System in Armenia as a State Priority. RPPC Director presented the 5 steps that are necessary for ensuring mental health and psychosocial support at school. Mrs. Mnatsakanyan attached importance to the early detection and assessment of needs, as well as spoke about the provision of initial support, response and referral, noting that structured response mechanisms ensure ongoing communication between schools and external services.
During the discussions, experiences from different countries were presented, and the need to develop and implement effective policy frameworks, cross-sectoral collaboration and supportive systems around schools was emphasized. Several participants underlined the need to integrate HPS into core school plans, to develop feasible indicators and evaluation approaches, and to ensure adequate support, time and recognition for school staff.
It was also noted that WHO guidance focuses on promoting social and emotional learning (SEL) and mental health promotion, and regional networks such as the European Network for Health Promoting Schools can support countries in identifying appropriate approaches and sharing best practices.
At the end of the meeting, further steps were clarified and within its framework an expert group will be established with the involvement of interested national coordinators, former European Network for Health Promoting Schools coordinators and partners to provide strategic and technical input, as well as relevant awareness-raising events will be implemented.
02.06.2026
