LAHORE: Nestlé Pakistan and Punjab Workers Welfare Fund (PWWF) have collaborated to launch the Nestlé for Healthier Kids (N4HK) program in 14 schools across Lahore, Sheikhupura, Warburton, Multan, Kasur, Faisalabad, Layyah, Muzaffargarh and Rawalpindi, to promote healthy nutrition by 2024.
N4HK is Nestlé’s global nutritional awareness initiative. It supports teachers and caregivers in their journey to raise healthier kids through a curriculum-based education program promoting healthy nutrition, hydration, hygiene and an active lifestyle. The program will train more than 500 teachers and reach out to 15,000 students.
Speaking on occasion, Secretary Labour and HR Department/ Chairperson, Punjab Workers Welfare Fund, Liaqat Ali Chatha, said, “We are honoured to continue the partnership with Nestlé Pakistan and extend the reach of its N4HK initiative to schools across Punjab. We are confident that the awareness imparted on nutrition to teachers will play a vital role in promoting healthy habits and a better nourished future generation.”
Talking about the initiative, Waqar Ahmad, Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability, Nestlé Pakistan, stated As part of the commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 of Good Health and Well-Being, the N4HK programme teaches children the importance of nutrition as they mature. In Pakistan, the initiative has touched over 285,000 youngsters and 1,500 instructors.
Earlier from 2015 to 2016 and 2019 to 2020, under the multiyear partnership with PWWF, Nestlé implemented the program in six schools in Lahore, Multan, Sheikhupura and Warburton, training 150 teachers on nutrition awareness through expert trainers. Nestlé Pakistan also developed 3 N4HK rooms in partner schools that provided a way for teachers and educators to reinforce the importance of a good nutrition concept for children in classrooms through fun and engaging activities.
According to the 2018 National Nutrition Survey, Pakistan is experiencing a nutrition crisis, with stunted growth being a significant indicator. According to reports, Pakistan has one of the worst child malnutrition rates compared to other emerging nations. An emphasis on diet quality and nutrition education is of the utmost importance to prevent stunting, wasting, and other kinds of malnutrition.