Context
In May 2011, the Republic of Srpska adopted a policy to improve early childhood development. Its aim is to create optimal conditions for the growth and development of children, whatever their origin or individual abilities. These basic conditions include a balanced diet, prevention of nutritional deficiencies and control of diet-related diseases. In 2012, on a proposal from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the government adopted a Policy to improve the nutrition of children under the age of 5. It is within this framework that we are offering workshops for parents and children to help them understand and adapt their diet.
The project
The "Nutrition friendly school/ pre-school (NFSPI) initiative was set up in 2014 in 5 pilot pre-schools spread across the 5 regions of the Republic of Srpska. The aim is to create a network of institutions (nursery schools, primary schools, secondary schools and high schools) encouraging improvements in nutrition and physical activity among children, parents and professional staff (teachers, cooks, etc.).
There are five specific objectives:
- To train school staff to develop food and nutrition policies in schools in order to ensure the sustainable implementation of the general and specific objectives of this programme.
- Improve the eating habits and physical activity levels of children in schools.
- To enhance parents' knowledge and habits regarding the importance of appropriate nutrition and physical activity and their impact on children's development.
- To improve the knowledge and habits of professionals (educators and teachers) in the field of nutrition and physical activity in order to better educate children and young people about a healthy lifestyle.
- To develop the knowledge and habits of food preparation staff in the field of nutrition and the proper selection and preparation of food, in order to prepare meals that comply with the guidelines, standards and norms for children.
> The stages of the first implementation phase were: self-assessment of nutrition, physical activity and hygiene in schools; development of nutrition policies in schools; and implementation of the activities set out in the action plans.
During the first year of implementation, sports equipment was provided for teachers, parents and children. More than 30 workshops were organised for all target groups in nursery schools in the Republic of Srpska.
>During the second phase, nutritional standards were developed with seasonal recipe books and NFSPI monitoring and assessment tools, and a government assessment body (GBE) was set up. It is responsible for certifying nursery schools.
>During the third phase, all the pilot nursery schools were assessed by the GBE and nominated for certification.
>The fourth phase of certification and inclusion of nursery schools is still ongoing.
Means
The UNICEF office in Bosnia-Herzegovina provided financial support for the implementation of the NFSPI during the four phases of its implementation.
Technical and professional support was provided by staff from the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Institute of Public Health of the Government of the Republic of Srpska and the schools involved in the NFSPI.
Results
The implementation of the NFSPI has led to the adoption of regulations on the conditions and methods of nutrition, care and social protection of children in nursery schools.
Nutrition and physical health activities and workshops have become a regular feature in most public and private nursery schools in the Republic of Srpska.
The implementation of the NFSPI has led to the development of promotional materials for children and their parents: A book and poster entitled "Choosing well, growing up healthy".
Seasonal recipe books and a guide for schools: "How to become a nutrition-friendly school/pre-school". Enabling schools to implement the NFSPI easily and sustainably.
Indicators based on WHO tools have been introduced to assess the achievement of nutrition policy objectives. Establishments have already been given access to these tools to carry out their self-assessment.
Source :
This initiative sheet was written by Léa GIUSTINIANI, student at Bordeaux Sciences Agro - January 2023
Last modification : 12 Jun 2023.
UNICEF
UNICEF - United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund - is a United Nations agency founded in 1946 and headquartered in New York, USA. It is responsible for defending the rights of children worldwide, meeting their basic needs and promoting their full development.