In December 2023, Arete took a significant step towards promoting healthier lifestyles for children in Macedonia by signing a memorandum of understanding with Eduland, an esteemed NGO, partner organisation of UNICEF comprising preschool educators. This collaboration marks the beginning of a journey aimed at revolutionizing nutritional practices in Macedonian kindergartens.

Supported by UNICEF and the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, this initiative underscores a collective commitment to enhancing the safety and quality of food served in state kindergartens across the country. Over recent years, the Ministry has been proactive in implementing measures to ensure the well-being of children by prioritizing food safety and nutritional standards.

Now, with the convergence of Arete, Eduland, the Ministry, and UNICEF, a pioneering project is underway to develop comprehensive training modules on nutrition tailored specifically for kindergarten staff. These modules, designed to empower educators with the knowledge and skills needed to foster healthy eating habits among children, represent a crucial step towards building a sustainable food system.

The pilot phase of this project is set to commence in the first half of 2024, with three kindergartens, including “Our Future” in Prilep, participating in the initial rollout. Through rigorous testing and refinement, these training modules will be fine-tuned to meet the unique needs and challenges faced by educators in Macedonian kindergartens.

For Arete, this initiative holds particular significance as it aligns with and advances the broader goals of FEAST (Food systems that support transitions to healthy and sustainable diets) a flagship project aimed at catalyzing Europe’s transition to a ‘Win-Win-Win-Win’ food system. By promoting synergies between people, the planet, and the public and private sectors, FEAST seeks to drive positive change across the food value chain.

By harnessing the expertise and resources of diverse stakeholders, we have the opportunity to shape a future where every child has access to nutritious meals and the foundation for a lifetime of health and well-being.

Together, let us pave the way for a brighter, healthier future for the children of Macedonia and beyond.

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