Celebrating Sustainable Lifestyles in Birmingham Schools
Local pupils and staff from fourteen primary schools across Birmingham were recently acknowledged for their admirable commitment to sustainable and healthy lifestyles. This recognition was part of an awards ceremony held last Friday, February 13th, where representatives gathered to celebrate achievements that positively impact their schools and communities. The event was graced by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Ken Wood, who presented the awards to the remarkable educators and learners.
Supporting Sustainable Initiatives
The awards ceremony was made possible through the Health for Life® programme, which is funded by Mondelēz International and executed in collaboration with the Birmingham-based charity, Services for Education, along with the support of The Conservation Volunteers (TCV). This initiative provides schools with essential funding, training, and resources to cultivate a holistic ethos of healthy living within the school environment. Since its launch in 2011, the programme has worked with an impressive 240 schools across Birmingham, engaging a vast network of pupils, staff, families, and entire communities in thoughtful, healthier lifestyle changes.
Engaging the Entire School Community
The essence of the Health for Life® programme revolves around advocating for healthy eating, enhanced physical activity, and sustainable gardening. Schools participating in the programme are encouraged to brainstorm and implement initiatives that actively involve the full school community in healthful activities. This year’s cohort demonstrated extraordinary creativity and innovation through award-winning projects like the installation of composting stations and polytunnels in school gardens, paving a pathway towards more sustainable practices.
Creative Initiatives and Workshops
Some of the standout initiatives recognized at the ceremony included parent-and-child workshops that centered around healthy eating, collaborative cooking sessions that fostered family involvement, and even lunch menus creatively designed to promote nutritious choices. Many schools took the initiative to plant vegetables and fruits in specially designed raised beds and planters, demonstrating ingenuity by repurposing household items—such as wellington boots—into unique plant pots.
In addition to gardening, schools offered dedicated physical activity classes and clubs to ensure that students also engaged in regular exercise, making health a multifaceted focus of their daily lives.
Voices from the Leaders
Reflecting on the achievements celebrated, Lucie Welch, the Interim Health for Life® Programme Lead at Services for Education, expressed pride in the dedication shown by the schools. “We’re so proud of the achievements of our schools, who have embraced the programme, embedding it into their curriculums and daily life,” she stated. Welch highlighted the exciting innovations from this year, which included pop-up swimming pools, Bhangra dancing, and informative cooking sessions, all aimed at encouraging healthier choices among children.
Kelly Farrell, Community Affairs Manager at Mondelēz International, echoed these sentiments, celebrating the ongoing enthusiasm and dedication from primary schools and their pupils. “It’s fantastic to see the enthusiasm and dedication that continues to bring about positive and lasting changes,” she noted. Farrell also shared her excitement about witnessing the variety of approaches schools take each year to engage students and families in enjoyable and relevant ways.
Further Engagement Opportunities
For schools interested in becoming a part of this transformative programme, more information is available on the Health for Life® scheme through the Services for Education website. The initiative continues to grow, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of sustainability and health that resonates within the community.
As Birmingham’s primary schools continue to champion healthier lifestyles and practices, they not only improve their immediate environment but also pave the way for a healthier future for generations to come.
