Initial Results from the European Network of Health Promoting Schools Program on Development of Health Education in Finland

The European Network of Health Promoting School (ENHPS) program aims to foster healthy lifestyles for school populations by developing supportive teaching and learning environments conducive to promotion of health. Most European countries have joined the network since its organization in 1993. This paper describes how the European, national, and local aims of the ENHPS program have been realized in Finnish schools during the first year of the second triennium (1997-1999). Substantial development related to health promotion has occurred in the Finnish ENHPS schools. A safe school environment was emphasized, and networking with other schools was encouraged at the international and national levels. Attitudes toward the ENHPS program generally were positive. However, Finnish schools have emphasized developing "structures" for health promotion. In the future, efforts should concentrate on students' active participation in the activities of health promotion in everyday teaching and learning situations.