School Health & Nutrition in Bolivia

Save the Children is pleased to present this year’s second report of the project Healthy Habits for Kids. We are thankful to be able to provide children of poor neighborhoods in Bolivia with the opportunity to acquire healthy habits to be able to learn better and to live well.

 This year, a total of 4000 students of 10 schools in the city of El Alto will benefit directly from this program. Additionally, 11,000 children will benefit indirectly from the program through an educational network that complements our current work.

 By April 2016, 163 teachers received training on topics such as personal hygiene, adequate handwashing practices, appropriate bathroom use, safe water, and the consumption of healthy foods and products rich in iron and vitamin A. In addition, 33 teachers from 24 schools received first aid training as well as training on the administration of the first aid school kit. 23 teachers and members of the Educational Council have also received an induction to menstrual hygiene management.

 We continued implementing the strategy of the healthy recess during which children consume only healthy products such as fruits and vegetables. The school kiosks participate in this activity and only sell healthy products on the day of the healthy recess, predefined by the school.

 We would like to highlight the implementation of our new strategy “Recesses in Movement”. With the objective to reduce child obesity and sedentariness, once a week the school recess focuses on physical activity. Parents and other family members are being invited to join the physical exercise and games of their children such as French skipping, football or jumping the skipping rope. These activities do not only provide physical benefits but also further the student’s social skills through playful team sports.