The Coca-Cola Company

Innovative Health Education In Action In The Philippines

July 28, 2006 edition

Children in four pilot schools in the Philippines are enjoying their second year of involvement in an exciting active living program called "Kineti-Kids: It's Fun to be Fit!" The program, run jointly by the Coca-Cola Export Corporation's Philippines Division, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) and the Department of Education, incorporate the values of a healthy and active lifestyle throughout the elementary education curriculum.

In June, the FNRIA organized a workshop for teachers and principals from the program's pilot schools to gather information on initial reports, assessments and effective practices resulting from the first year of implementation.

The Kineti-Kids program is an innovative, holistic approach to health education, expanding the topic of well-being beyond health-specific courses (such as physical education) to other academic subjects. Integrating health education into other classes throughout the school day helps instill in students the values of healthy living.

The program focuses on nutrition education, physical activity and healthy weight. Evaluation is based on changes in nutrition knowledge and attitude and practices among students, teachers and parents. Results of the June evaluation demonstrate an increase in knowledge and positive attitudes, and a marked improvement in physical activity.

Teachers play an important role in the successful implementation of the program. The ultimate goal is the transfer of nutrition and active living values from teachers to the children, to their parents, and eventually to the community.

A science teacher at one of the focus schools shared one way in which she implements the Kineti-Kids program in her classes. She designs her science lessons to be activity-related. For example, she has the children form groups to go outside to collect plants, returning to the classroom to discuss the lesson -- providing the opportunity for the children to exercise by walking. Including physical activity in the lessons is beneficial to the teachers, as well, because the students display more energy and enthusiasm in class.