HESC within the Department of Curriculum Management was invited through Eko-Skola to collaborate with the Early Years Section and the Physical Education Centre to work on a pilot project. HESC focused on aspects related to a picnic from a nutritional and health perspective. Parents were invited for a two hour long educational session. During this session HESC teachers addressed in depth the importance of preparing and consuming healthy, balanced and tasty packed lunches when going on a picnic. Key nutrition concepts related to packed lunches were explored. Examples of food items suitable for picnics were also given and respective recipes were disseminated and discussed during the session. Choosing sustainable packaging for packed lunches and sun safety were also addressed.
HESC teachers also targeted pupils in Year 1 and Year 2 at Għajnsielem Primary as part of this project. An interactive theory session about sun safety and healthy packed lunches that can be prepared for a picnic was facilitated by HESC staff. This session was followed by a demonstration of two healthy dips namely a Tuna Dip and a Hummus Dip. Pupils wearing appropriate attire actively participated in a number of practical skills such as chopping, slicing, peeling and serving of food. Furthermore, the pupils familiarised themselves with various kitchen utensils and followed personal and kitchen hygiene rules.
