‘From Moo to You’: UAE school children to learn benefits of milk

Over the next four weeks, thousands of children in the UAE are expected to get creative by taking part in a programme that highlights the importance of dairy nutrition.

In the lead up to World Milk Day on 1 June, the UAE Ministry of Education is working alongside Anchor to raise awareness about the importance of milk in the diet of growing children. Anchor is a leading dairy brand produced by Fonterra, the world’s largest dairy processor.

The month-long initiative targets first grade students and will include a range of activities that showcase dairy’s nutritional benefits and help children understand where milk comes from, answering some age old questions, such as “How does a cow turn grass into milk?” and “Why is milk white?”.

Ayesha Al Siri, Director of Nutrition and Health Department in the Ministry of Education, said: “Our objective is to educate children in the UAE about health and nutrition so that they can make informed food choices throughout their childhood and adulthood. There is a connection between health and education and we have launched this programme as one of our own school health initiative that aims at improving the nutritional health of our students, which in turn improves their understanding and ability to learn. Our objective is to instill healthy eating habits in our students, providing them with the life-long benefits that come with having a balanced and nutritious diet, and we see this month-long initiative as a good way to encourage students to consume milk as part of their everyday life and adopt healthier eating habits, as good nutrition is essential for everyone. Milk is a food source rich in important nutrients such as calcium, potassium and vitamin D, which help protect the teeth from decay, keep bones healthy and prevent the onset of osteoporosis later in life.”

Kamal Gupta, Managing Director, Fonterra Brands Middle East, Africa and Commonwealth of Independent States, said, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to work alongside the Ministry of Education to help enhance the general health of our youth and wider society and raise local awareness about the importance of a healthy diet.

“Working alongside the School Environment and Activities Sector and Nutrition and School Health Department has been fundamental in bringing this project into fruition and we hope this will be the start of a long-term relationship that will enable us to help teach our students that as individuals, they need to be aware about nutrition and healthy food choices. It’s important for children to learn where the food they eat actually comes from to encourage them to take an interest in looking after their health from an early age. This initiative gives us the opportunity to make a real difference to the health and wellbeing of future generations in the Middle East.”

Milk Education Programme in Schools

As part of The School Milk Project, the Department of Nutrition and School Health and Anchor have produced a fun learning pack with facts, puzzles, questions and stickers to teach the children everything they need to know about milk. There will also be a team of specially-trained staff to deliver informative presentations on milk to school teachers as a means of further strengthening the campaign.  

‘Draw Your Dream New Zealand Farm’ Competition

From 20 May to 20 June, all children aged between six and ten across the UAE, Qatar and Bahrain can explore their imagination by entering the ‘Draw Your Dream New Zealand Farm’ Competition.  The participating children may draw, paint or crayon their dream New Zealand farm for a chance to win an all-expenses-paid family holiday to New Zealand, the home of Anchor.

Kamal Gupta concludes, “Creative activities are the most effective way to engage children and teach them about the importance of a healthy and balanced diet, which is why Anchor is rolling out this customized learning program for children across the region.”    

Participants in the online art competition can upload their drawing via the competition portal, www.AnchorNZchallenge.com from the 20 May onwards and following this, they will receive a link to their drawing online to share with friends and family and encourage them to vote for their drawings. The top five children with the most votes will be shortlisted, and the winner with the most vivid imagination and drawing skills will be chosen by a panel of independent judges. 

Entries need to include green pastures, cows and milk and are to be scanned and uploaded onto www.AnchorNZchallenge.com before 20 June.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.