Developing Strategies, Practices and Finding solutions to Obesity (Healthy Life) by Taking Attention to Healthy Eating and Physical Activities Using Intercultural Learning by Including Disadvantaged People

"<< Background >>Our project’s main focus was to address the problem of obesity and promote healthy lifestyles through intercultural learning and inclusion of younger students in Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey. This is a significant concern worldwide where obesity rates have recently increased, leading to a range of health problems and social challenges. The project aimed to develop good practices that help prevent obesity and promote healthy eating and physical activity among students from different cultural backgrounds, including disadvantaged ones. By addressing these needs, the project managed to contribute to the improvement of health habits and well-being of students and communities in Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey and beyond. The project succeeded in increasing awareness and promote healthy lifestyles through intercultural learning and non-formal education, focusing on students' healthy eating habits and physical activities. The project also managed to touch the subject of bullying, low self-esteem, lack of communication and social isolation. By involving schools in long-term process of increasing an active lifestyle through good practices transfer, this project had the potential to make a significant impact on students' health and well-being. << Objectives >>We promoted a healthy lifestyle among students&teachers and communities. The issues of obesity and low self-esteem were addressed. The specific goals were bringing a European dimension into promoting interactive methods and tools that determines a healthy lifestyle, the schools becoming an educational resource to improve the students’ eating habits and school performance, the reduction of fast food, a change in the school canteens ‘menu, proper physical activities. Moreover, to develop key competences, promote inclusion and equality, raise awareness of physical and mental health and recognize learning outcomes for participants in cross-border learning mobility.The concrete results of the project: the project’s website and logo, Food Pyramids, preparation of Erasmus+ corner, eTwinning page, measurement of students' BMI, use ""10.000 steps"" program, a project magazine, analysis, surveys, videos. Relevant presentations made after and for the mobility that were used for E+ Days, for helpful workshops and for a new school subject in our schools’ curriculum. The project empowered our students to become resourceful and to use their influence to coerce communities to switch to more healthy lifestyle thus improving social and civic skills.<< Implementation >>The main activities included:Communication:participants communicated with their peers online before the mobilities and then face-to-face,using English. Presentations and activities: participants prepared various presentations and activities for guests and collaborated with the foreign students for completing the tasks. Feedback and evaluation:surveys were filled after each mobility, at the beginning and at the end of the project, to rate satisfaction.Workshops:participants and teachers performed four relevant workshops of transfer of knowledge in community.Materials compilation for dissemination and visibility:project magazine, workshops’ agenda/content, videos, food pyramid, flyers,etc.Local expert involvement like nutrition experts and PE accredited trainers.Events: Erasmus day 2022, district meetings for school managers(attendance lists are available and local newspaper’s article).Social and civic skills through non-formal and informal education.21st-century skills development like digital skills, leadership and growth mindset.Responsibility and self-confidence:responsibility for the group work,public speaking.Students and teachers exchange.Learning:participants gained deeper understanding and awareness of healthy lifestyle.<< Results >>Based on the project aims,some of the concrete outputs are:increased usage of the eTwinning, now ESEP for communication and collaboration. Increased knowledge and awareness among teachers, students, and families about healthy lifestyle. Increased access to information and resources about health and nutrition;tranforming our participants into resourceful people for their peers.Participation in workshops and sports events, related to healthy nutrition and health by actually trying several sports(gym, swimming, voleyball, zumba).Gardening in school yards.Possible usage of our resources (project magazine, website, workshop content)by UNICEF, and WHO to increase awareness of healthy eating and physical activity among students. Development of 21st-century skills like digital skills(canva, kahoot, coding for website, bookcreator).Integration of health and physical activities into lesson and academic year plans (new school subject in the RO school)and official change in the canteen menu in BU.Attending cooking workshops.Analysis of information, sharing results with UNICEF, Education/Health Ministry by email.Creation of positive attitudes towards physical and mental health.Learning new, modern teaching methods about healthy lifestyle."