The main objective of the SHE4AHA project was to demonstrate how the Health Promoting School (HPS) framework can be used as a practical, evidence-based approach to improve pupil well-being, inclusion, and long-term health – and to show how schools can contribute to the EU’s vision for active and healthy ageing. Specifically, the project aimed to: 1. Build capacity among school staff and leaders to work strategically with health promotion through accessible training and tools. 2. Support 15 pilot schools in five countries in designing and implementing local HPS initiatives, tailored to their own needs and contexts. 3. Develop and test practical resources, including a user-friendly HPS guide ("Pixi manual"), a planning and self-assessment checklist, and a modular training package. 4. Document and share good practices from the pilot schools to inspire other schools and support future implementation. 5. Promote policy dialogue at local, national and EU levels by providing clear recommendations on how to integrate health promotion into education systems. 6. Link school-based health promotion to lifelong well-being, positioning early intervention in schools as a contribution to broader goals such as healthy aging.
The SHE4AHA project was developed to meet a clear and urgent need: to strengthen the role of schools in promoting health, well-being, and inclusion — not only as isolated initiatives, but as part of structured and sustainable school development. Many schools across Europe recognize the importance of health promotion but lack accessible tools, training, and policy support to implement the Health Promoting School (HPS) framework in practice. At the same time, rising concerns about mental health, stress, and social exclusion among pupils highlight the need for early, school-based interventions. By linking school health promotion to the European Green Paper on Ageing, SHE4AHA demonstrates how strengthening health from an early age contributes to lifelong well-being and active ageing. In short, we applied for this project to provide schools with the tools and support they need to work strategically with health promotion, to show its broader value for inclusive education, health equity, and future public health outcomes, and to provide the Commission with evidence and tools to promote the the HPS approach as an answer to implement the Green Paper on Ageing.