CIVIL SOCIETY: 269 PRACTICES
The Institute of Preventive Medicine, Environmental and Occupational Health Prolepsis is a nongovernmental organization, active in the field of medical research, health promotion, environmental and occupational health.
Read more: www.prolepsis.gr
The goal of the initiative is to educate primary school students in healthy eating. In particular, the Prolepsis Institute undertook, following a competition, the task of training elementary school students in healthy eating, within the framework of the European Program for the promotion of fruits, vegetables and milk in schools. The program is co-financed by the European Union and implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development and Food in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs. As part of the initiative, 3,163 lectures were held in primary schools in Attica, Thessaloniki, Achaia and Crete (Heraklion and Rethymno), entitled "I learn about fruits, vegetables and milk".
The design and development of the content of the lectures was carried out by the Prolepsis Institute, while the lectures were implemented by collaborating dietitians - nutritionists selected and trained by the Institute for this purpose.
The initiative is aimed at primary school students. In total, the lectures were attended by 150,000 students in 822 schools.
The action / educational project was implemented during the period 6/5/2019 - 13/6/2019.
According to estimates by the World Health Organization for the year 2030, one in two Europeans will have a body weight beyond normal limits. Especially with regard to childhood obesity, Greece occupies one of the first positions among the EU countries, but also at a global level with 44% of boys and 38% of girls, aged 5-17, being overweight or obese according to 2013 estimates. Tackling overweight and obesity is a top priority for public health agencies with the promotion of healthy eating habits and daily physical activity being key areas of action. The European Program for the promotion of fruit, vegetables and milk in schools also serves this purpose, with the aim of increasing the share of fruit and vegetables and milk in children's diets by the end of it.
In more detail, the lectures held by the Prolepsis Institute in the context of this initiative are an educational measure within the said program.
The methodology applied is summarized in the following stages:
Development of presentations: The presentations were developed by the scientific team of the Prolepsis Institute. Bibliographic sources were used, such as the National Nutrition Guide for infants, children and adolescents (http://www.diatrofikoiodigoi.gr/?Page=entypo-yliko-%20paidia) developed by the Prolepsis Institute, as well as useful guides and recommendations of international organizations such as the World Health Organization, the European Food Safety Authority, etc. Also, the Institute's know-how was utilized from the planning of actions to promote healthy eating aimed at different age groups (presentations in schools, to students and parents) within the framework of the Feeding and Promotion of Healthy Eating Program - DIATROFI (diatrofi.prolepsis.gr) implemented by in 2012 in schools in vulnerable areas of Greece. The topics covered in the interactive lectures are: the role of nutrition in childhood, general dietary recommendations for children, fruit, vegetables, dairy and the relationship to health, physical activity in childhood. The training involved both the use of audio-visual material and familiarization with real fruits and vegetables. The evaluation of the lectures took place through the filling in of questionnaires by the cooperating dietitians-nutritionists.
Training of dietitians-nutritionists: A total of ≈200 dietitians-nutritionists were invited and informed about their possible participation in the program. For the implementation of the program, 73 dietitians-nutritionists were selected and received the necessary training from the Institute. The training of the dietitians took place at the offices of the Prolepsis Institute with 2-hour seminars, and via teleconference for the dietitians-nutritionists who were outside of Attica.
Planning and conduct of the speeches/lectures: The planning of the lectures was carried out on 2 levels:
A special feature of the action and, at the same time, an important challenge faced by the Prolepsis Institute, was the organization of 3,163 lectures in a period of just 25 days (M.O 125 lectures/day). Also, due to the electoral contests (European elections, Municipal - Regional elections) most schools were closed for 2 or more days as they functioned as election centers. Within an extremely short period of time the Institute was asked to organize the project, identify and train and establish partnerships with more than 70 dietitians, communicate and schedule lectures with schools and coordinate different tasks in order to carry out a extremely demanding business plan in Attica, Thessaloniki, Patras and Crete. However, the Institute members' expertise in childhood nutrition and long-standing experience in education, outreach, coordination and collaboration with key groups of program participants helped to successfully overcome all obstacles and bring it to a successful conclusion. the play.
Indicators - Results:
With regard to the benefits for society as a whole (in this case the students and the school community), actions of this type, with an experiential nature, are considered particularly effective means of education, so that children can effectively assimilate the principles of a healthy lifestyle. At the same time, as research has shown, students who adopt healthy eating habits are expected to have significant benefits for their physical and mental health:
The action / educational project was implemented in primary schools in Attica, Thessaloniki, Achaia and Crete (Heraklion and Rethymnon).
The Prolepsis Institute implemented the project of education in healthy nutrition as a partner association with the company GEFSINOUS ABEE, which undertook the educational measure "Live Cooking Demonstration in Schools".
The educational program was designed and implemented by the Prolepsis Institute (by 10 members of the coordinating team) in collaboration with 73 dietitians - nutritionists selected and trained by the Institute.
The benefits for the Prolepsis Institute are significant, as they enhance its scientific prestige and recognition, make it a leading educational organization in the promotion of healthy childhood nutrition and, in general, in the implementation of good practices that contribute to its well-being and health child population. Also, the agency's credibility is further highlighted by undertaking such large projects.
