Addressing Health and Well-being at schools

<< Background >>We submitted the project because we saw every day how students uncritically adopt myths and misinformation about health and nutrition from social media. We perceived the need to correct these habits with scientific knowledge and to support critical approach to dietary trends. We wanted them to realize that their health and future are in their own hands, and through mobilities they could gain competences for healthy lifestyle also in an international context. We also addressed mental aspects – self-confidence, performance, inclusion – and highlighted the economic and environmental dimensions of nutrition. The topic is globally relevant, as malnutrition, obesity, and other health problems affect productivity, life expectancy, and healthcare costs. The project improved students’ food and media literacy, supported scientific thinking and interest in STEM, integrated SDG goals (2,3 4,6,12), and responded to the need for students to have a voice in what and how they learn. Teachers applied modern approaches (CLIL, STEM, IBSE) and collaborated with partners, focusing on nutrients, consequences of poor nutrition, drinking water, dimensions of health, and sustainable diets under One Health concept. Digital outputs helped understand links.<< Objectives >>We aimed for our target groups to understand various dimensions of health, the role of nutrition in shaping well-being, and the risks of uncritical consumption of online information. Our ambition was to improve students’ health and media literacy through international cooperation, research, and knowledge exchange. Using Web 2.0 tools, we strengthened ICT skills of students and teachers, building digital competences in creating resources and content. By integrating the project into school curricula, we sought to raise awareness of the need for a healthy environment and encourage sustainable behavior. Another key output was a digital guide for the wider public with project findings.Throughout the project we achieved our objectives: identifying dimensions of healthy and unhealthy eating behaviors, while actively promoting health and well-being in schools and communities. By celebrating international awareness days, we highlighted the importance of a healthy planet and the protection of human and environmental health. Educational materials produced equipped students with the 7C competences, vital for their academic success and future life, ensuring the project’s lasting impact beyond the classroom.<< Implementation >>The project started with an online framework followed by a physical meeting, as the Palermo partner responsible for the first mobility was unavailable. The opening activity defined a clear vision, shared experiences, and introduced digital tools in TwinSpace. The second activity – project management on eTwinning (ESEP) – allowed partners to work in mixed and national groups, including logo voting, member presentations, thematic days, and evaluation.The Greek partner led Responsible Consumption and Production, focusing on consumer behavior and the link between nutrition and mental health. The Serbian partner in Belgrade organized Water and Sanitation, where students engaged in STEM lab experiments, learned about water treatment, exposed hoaxes, and calculated their water footprint. The Slovak coordinator in Vranov nad Topľou implemented Health and Well-being, including research on diets and myths, workshops with mental health experts, social media hoaxes, and mapping outdoor activities.Additional activities covered dissemination (presentations, campaigns), evaluation (surveys, self-assessment), and the creation of the final output – the educational guidebook. << Results >>The project produced a wide range of concrete outputs that supported its objectives and created long-term value for students, teachers, and communities. Among the digital and pedagogical results were the TwinSpace page, which served as a space for collaboration, planning, and content sharing (activities, student work, surveys, feedback). Students created posters, infographics, healthy recipe books, videos with experts, fitness journals, and online questionnaires. Other outputs included digital materials, an e-book (a guide summarizing our research, analyses, and activities) and joint presentations on health education in the partner countries.Learning outcomes included increased awareness of healthy lifestyles, improved digital, language, and communication skills among students and teachers, the development of critical thinking, and more effective cross-curricular collaboration between teachers.The project also had a community and long-term impact: it engaged parents and professionals, and we organized health days and mindfulness routines that became part of school calendars. The outputs were disseminated through events, websites, and media, expanding their reach. Project delivered high-quality educational content and growth.