Healthy ME Happy ME

"<< Background >>For some time now, Erasmus + has been offering associations under the law of 1901 the chance to work in international partnerships and share innovative practices in the fields of education, training and youth. As a first-time participant, this project enables our association PROSPECTIVE to seize this opportunity. The project aims to emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle for holistic well-being. It offers participants the chance to engage in activities that promote physical and mental health. It is aimed at young students, as we rightly postulate :- that early education in healthy food choices, physical activity and self-care would enhance self-esteem and self-confidence,- that by introducing children to traditional sports, yoga and other relaxation and meditation techniques, the project promotes cultural heritage, the fight against obesity and social cohesion,- by bringing different countries together, the project promotes inclusive learning.Finally, as a first-time coordinator, we have opted for a small-scale partnership project.<< Objectives >>In concrete terms, this project aimed to: raise awareness among pupils in partner schools of the importance of a healthy lifestyle through a balanced diet, physical activity and mental well-being; encourage a holistic approach to nature and its links with human health, culture and ecology; promote intercultural exchanges linked to sustainable development and traditional practices; improve intercultural and communication skills; produce concrete, digital productions. In addition, we sought to encourage the development of key skills (critical thinking, problem-solving) and communication skillsBy proposing to engage in activities that promote physical and mental health, we hoped to:an awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle (balanced diet, physical activity, mental well-being)-an awareness of the links between nature, health, culture and ecology -improving intercultural and communication skills (strengthening links between schools and communities in different countries)-producing concrete digital productions: flyers, posters, website, Instagram...shared with the public.<< Implementation >>The activities were highly varied. Some were carried out virtually, providing an opportunity for theoretical input and research into practices to promote a balanced diet, self-awareness and well-being through physical and mental activity. From a practical point of view, we set up :- stress management and development activities: breathing, yoga outdoors and indoors- conferences- meetings with personalities- excursions to emblematic sites: the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mount Pelee, the memorable site of the Efes agora- 3 gardens: two in Martinique (at the college and in a local home) and one at the school in Izmir- a cooking workshop in the Turkish school.We carried out two environmental clean-up campaigns: around the garden in Martinique and on a public footpath in Izmir.In other words, a variety of teaching strategies and activities serving an innovative approach that combined enjoyable activities such as games, nature exploration, preparation of traditional foods and more formal educational elements such as workshops and seminars were used.<< Results >>We postulate that health is a determining factor in happiness. This means eating well, drinking well and sleeping well. So we helped set up and maintain a real ""bo kay garden"" at the host college. We were able to observe that the young people had changed their eating habits, preferring to eat a piece of fruit or a snack brought from home rather than buying pastries near the college as they used to.Students also took part in workshops on breathing techniques and letting go, yoga and meditation in the open air, with the aim of learning to manage emotions and stress, and a cooking workshop using local, seasonal produce.A variety of materials were produced and added to throughout the project: website, Instagram, Facebook, films, power point, brochure, photo report, postersDuring the mobility programs, visits to exceptional sites (Montagne Pelée, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Pink Mangrove in Martinique, the Agora archaeological site in Turkey, etc.) were organized to raise awareness of the environment and sustainable development, and to promote intercultural discovery."