The recent alarming projection that four in ten adults will be overweight or obese by 2035 in the UK alone, highlights how essential it is to educate the next generation on the importance of leading active lives from an early age, something that can help curb that downward spiral. An active and healthy lifestyle when we are young leads to a life long habit of looking after ourselves. We cannot control our backgrounds, our situation or our food choices as children, therefore it falls onto families and schools to encourage children to make the right lifestyle choices. We are all part of the same cog and therefore need to work together. In the UK a "Fit For Sport" study of 10,000 children found that completing 60 minutes of physical activity during the school day improved their health-related fitness levels by up to 15% over one academic year. In part, the rise in modern technology, the growth in fast food options and the restrictions that are placed on kids enjoying active play have reduced children’s appetite to take part in regular physical activity. However, technology can also be our friend and we aim to provide training and place confidence in our families and children to sue technology sensibly to track their lifestyles and maintain their overall health. Schools and families can share technology resources to monitor their children’s activity levels. Therefore teaching young people the importance of leading healthy lifestyles can be so crucial to their development and something that they will take with them into their adult lives. After all, it is at school where we are educated and understanding how vital being active is to our general wellbeing should be a key part of learning.
Obesity is a growing concern in today's society due to factors like overproduction of food, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy eating habits. The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled it a 21st-century pandemic, with Spain, Greece, and the UK having high child obesity rates. This project aimed to address childhood obesity by focusing on school-age children, particularly in primary education. The project's objectives included improving basic skills like literacy and numeracy through activities such as record-keeping and article writing related to outdoor activities. It also aimed to encourage critical thinking and digital literacy. Additionally, the project seeked to engage children through gamification and plans to develop an Active Schools App that combined physical activity with gaming. Family involvement was crucial, and the project included a Family Active programme to educate and guide parents on promoting healthier lifestyles for their children. By targeting this age group and instilling healthy habits early on, the project aimed to prevent obesity-related health complications in adulthood, benefiting both individuals and healthcare systems.
Project partners recognised the necessity to delve into and cultivate opportunities in Outdoor Education methodology. Their motivations varied based on their respective backgrounds, yet they shared a common objective. Collaborating on an international level was perceived as a significant avenue to enrich this endeavour. For all partners, the association of a healthy an active lifestyle and education was aligned with the goal of Agenda 2030, increasing physical activity in school and decreasing child obesity. The primary aim of this project aligned with all four key objectives outlined in the new curriculum for Wales, aspiring to nurture children to become 1) Driven and proficient learners, 2) Innovative and enterprising contributors, 3) Ethical and well-informed global citizens, 4) Healthy and self-assured individuals who contribute positively to society. The Greek and Spanish schools participating in this project sought to augment the educational experience by promoting school engagement and improving the overall health and well-being of their students. Their aspiration encompassed enhancing the emotional well-being of all students, including those grappling with mental or behavioral health issues.