
At Empowervate, we are proud to showcase the remarkable impact of the Healthy Food, Healthy Mood project, led by St. Patrick’s Primary School’s YCAP team. St. Patrick Primary School placed FIRST in the 15th Annual National YCAP Championships’ Junior Category. Their initiative has not only transformed the school’s tuckshop but has also sparked a wave of positive changes in the health and behaviour of the students.
The Challenge: St. Patrick’s Primary School identified a significant issue within their school community: the overwhelming consumption of sugary snacks at the school tuckshop. The learners’ health was being affected by poor nutrition, leading to hyperactivity, low energy, and frequent absenteeism. The school lacked healthy food alternatives, which contributed to poor concentration and overall health problems.
The Solution: The YCAP team, comprising passionate and dedicated students, chose to tackle this issue head-on. Their project, Healthy Food, Healthy Mood, aimed to replace unhealthy snacks with nutritious options such as fruits and vegetables. They conducted surveys and interviews to understand the extent of the problem and implemented a series of campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating.
The team worked on several fronts:
· Introducing fruit and vegetables into the school tuckshop
· Educating peers and teachers about the benefits of healthy eating
· Organising a health promotion campaign with local radio stations and district officials
· Hosting a “Healthy Eating Exhibition” to showcase their efforts
The Impact: The results of the project were transformative. The introduction of healthier snack options led to:
· Improved health outcomes for students, with reduced sugar intake and better overall nutrition
· Increased school attendance due to better physical well-being
· Enhanced concentration and behaviour in the classroom as a result of stable energy levels
· A growing awareness of healthy eating habits among both students and teachers
Feedback from Educators: Teachers, including Mrs. Zoko and educator Alwande, observed remarkable improvements in the students’ energy levels and focus. They reported fewer behavioural issues and an overall more positive learning environment. The project not only impacted the students’ health but also motivated them to take pride in their choices and their role as change agents in the school.
Sustainability and Future Plans: The Healthy Food, Healthy Mood initiative has set the foundation for lasting change. The school has plans to expand the project by introducing fruit gardens and creating a “Fruit of the Month” club. They aim to continue building a health-promoting environment through a loyalty program and further collaboration with local businesses and organisations.
The project has also sparked interest in neighbouring schools, with St. Patrick’s Primary planning to share their success and encourage other schools to implement similar initiatives.
Conclusion: The Healthy Food, Healthy Mood project is a testament to the power of youth leadership and community-driven change. By addressing a pressing issue and taking action, the YCAP team has not only improved the health and well-being of their peers but has also created a model for other schools to follow. Empowervate is proud to have supported this initiative and looks forward to seeing its positive impact continue to grow.
To learn more about this impactful project and how you can support our ongoing efforts, contact us at info@empowervate.org and visit our Social Media pages, @Empoervate and keep an eye out for more blog posts in the Impact Series.
Together, we can continue to empower the next generation and make a real difference in the lives of our youth.
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