LAUNCHING OF A HEALTHY EATING PROGRAMME FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN

Diet-related diseases have a high prevalence in the Maltese population. Measures have been taken by the authorities to ameliorate this situation, but it is a well-known fact that if a change in mentality is desired, measures are to be taken from an early age.

With this in mind, the Home Economics Seminar Centre of Bishop Labini Street, Birkirkara, and of the Education Division, launched for this scholastic year a pilot programme titled ‘Taf Tiekol Tajjeb?' for seven-year-old primary school children and their parents. Plans are now under way to extend the provision of this programme to all schools.

This centre is presently staffed by a team of four qualified teachers, namely Ms. C. Azzopardi, Ms. C. Muscat, Ms. C. Azzopardi and Ms. A. Cremona.

The Birkirkary Primary schoolchildren were the first pupils to inaugurate this programme. The day's programme was full of pupil-centred activities which pupils fully enjoyed. Simultaneously, a programme for the pupils' parents was in progress, wherein general nutrition guidelines, specific nutrition and meal preparation for children were outlined.

All participants gained an insight on the topic and did not leave the premises empty-handed, thanks to the very valid contribution of the following sponsors: Good Earth Ltd., J.C. Micallef Co. Ltd., H.H. (Safari) Ltd., Nestle` Products (Malta) Ltd., Paolo Bonnici Ltd., and the Health Promotion Unit of the Department of Health, who provided healthy food products and literature to consolidate the knowledge and acquisition of skills gained throughout the day.

Present for the launch of this programme were Ms. M. Vella, Director (Curriculum Management) , Ms. P. Apap, A.D.E. ( Curriculum Development), Mr. S. Demicoli , Head of School of Birkirkara Primary School 'A', and Ms. E. Mallia, the Education Officer (Curriculum) responsible for the running of the Seminar Centre.