The objective of the project was to strengthen educators’ competencies in promoting healthy lifestyle habits, mental health, and environmental awareness. We aimed to equip educators with the skills to plan and implement engaging, developmentally appropriate activities that foster children’s physical health, emotional balance, and environmentally responsible behavior. A key goal was to develop three thematic brochures for parents, as well as a comprehensive educators’ handbook containing effective methods, strategies, and recommendations for integrating environmental education and healthy lifestyle principles into daily kindergarten practice. The project also aimed to enhance educators’ digital skills and their ability to creatively and purposefully apply ICT tools in working with children. By motivating children to spend time outdoors, adopt healthy habits, and develop a responsible attitude toward nature, we sought to raise broader societal awareness of these important topics. Finally, the project aimed to foster knowledge exchange and the dissemination of good practices by training and empowering other educators, enabling them to implement similar initiatives in their own institutions and strengthen transnational cooperation
We increasingly observe a range of health challenges among preschool children, including poor dietary habits, low physical activity, and emerging emotional and behavioral issues such as reduced concentration, irritability, and aggression. Many children spend excessive time in front of screens and consume fast food, sweets, and sugary drinks, negatively affecting their overall health and well-being. Recognizing the pivotal role of early childhood education in prevention, we used our educational context as a foundation to foster lifelong healthy habits, socio-emotional skills, and holistic development. Through daily activities, we promoted physical activity, balanced nutrition, self-regulation, and emotional stability. Through this partnership, we developed innovative and sustainable strategies to promote healthy lifestyles from the earliest age. We aimed to bring children closer to nature, raise awareness about sustainability, and emphasize the benefits of natural, wholesome foods. By doing so, we empowered children to make informed choices that enhance their health, well-being, and contribute to the wider community, while fostering capacity building, cross-cultural learning, and evidence-based educational practices.