Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Child-rearing remains a concern within our communities, especially because
families of today lack primary parents due to multifaceted challenges such as working
mothers, diseases and violence. Health-promoting school initiatives are necessary because
they allow a multifaceted approach to child-rearing. They further provide a conducive
environment for continued schoolchild-rearing moving from home to school.
OBJECTIVES: This study promotes an integrated approach to school care using the African
concept of Ubuntu – solidarity and sense of community – as a point of departure. The socioecological
model was used, which includes the work of the school healthcare nurse in
contributing to holistic health services.
METHOD: An integrative review was conducted in January 2013, which included methodology
studies, a theory review and a variety of studies related to school health. The studies were
categorised according to school health, Ubuntu and the socio-ecological model.
FINDINGS: The role of school healthcare nurses entails acting as a liaison officer between a
variety of stakeholders who work together to shape the future of children.
CONCLUSION: Ubuntu, together with the socio-ecological model, can assist us to involve an
entire community to raise children. This knowledge serves as a background to the planning
of a school health programme. The role of the nurse in school health can also assist in
collaborative efforts to formulate the programme and develop the competencies that will
inform school health nurse training curricula.
