School Seminars to fight child obesity in the UAE "Get involved so they can too"

"We aim through these seminars, to educate students about the high risks of obesity and provide them with useful tips to stay healthy and fit."

said Mayada Wahsh, Programme Officer, Unicef Gulf.

"The seminars started as a pilot project and showed a lot of success among students and teachers as well. We hope that similar activities will continue to run through out the year and that the same will be applied in other schools across the UAE" she added.

The 11 seminars were given by nutritional representatives from the Ministry of Health. The Dubai Sport's Council, with the help of football celebrities, promoted dynamic lifestyles by engaging students in fun and energetic sports activities.

A letter from HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, addressed to parents to teach children the habits of healthy eating and physical activities from an early age, which is considered a gift that will literally last a lifetime and by doing so everybody will help build a healthier community in the UAE.

On the other hand, "Fitness First" and "My Gym" provided the schools with physical sessions. Students were very enthusiastic about the new exercises which persuaded the school instructors to change their routines to engage a bigger number of children and youths within schools. Mineral water and apples provided by Volvic and Spinneys, were distributed to the students as a part of the educational factor in the seminar to initiate healthy eating habits.

A family leaflet has been distributed on students and teachers demonstrating the importance of healthy eating and exercising. Also a comic book "Mofeed" has been handed out to the Middle School's students.

The seminars increased the level of awareness among students and created great interest in the Aerobics classes. Clearly, the students have been enlightened about the healthy and unhealthy eating habits and how to balance their intake of food. Also, teachers are showing high interest in exploring new exercisable methods to introduce to their students. The seminars have created a positive environment in schools and encouraged them to focus on students' wellbeing and presented them with suitable fitness routines.

The public and private schools from Primary to High school that were covered by the seminars included: Asma Bint Al Nooman; Al Razi School; The India High School; Al Safa School; Al Kuwait School; Dubai School; Dubai International School; Maria Al Qibtiyya; Omar Bin Khattab; Al Qeyam School and Dubai National School.

The Fat Truth campaign is supported by UNICEF's strategic partner: General Women's Union, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, WHO, the Ministry of Education and Princess Haya initiative for the Development Health, Physical education and school sports.