Giving youngsters a healthy outlook
Successful CSR activities often result from companies doing what they do best by focusing on initiatives in their own field. This approach led Vitasoy to start a “Nutrition Exploration Journey”, promoting healthy growth and development.
“Our mission is to be a sustainable nutrition provider,” says Lianne Ng, Vitasoy group director for external affairs and sustainability. “So, we looked for opportunities to do more community engagement offering nutritional information programmes.”
To this end, they teamed up with the Brightens Children’s Lives Service of St James’ Settlement and the Social Welfare Department’s Partnership Fund for the Disadvantaged, which runs after-school programmes. With advice from an in-house nutrition specialist, they put together a multifaceted plan to give children what they need.
Around 200 students from seven schools took part in the 2015/16 academic year, and one further school has since been added.
The starting point was a 2015 survey conducted in target primary schools. It showed a priority for parents was to improve their children’s English. Therefore, the programme offers six 90-minute after-school classes on the theme of nutrition led by native English speakers. The aim is to increase student motivation, boost confidence in speaking English and improve vocabulary, writing and presentation skills. For some students, this was a first-ever chance to learn from a native speaker.
“When I didn’t understand what the teacher said, I could ask my classmates for help,” says Fung Ka-wai of YLPMS Alumni Association Ying Yip Primary School, noting that teamwork plays a part. “They were very helpful and shared their knowledge to help me solve problems. We enjoyed working together and shared the workload.”
The nutrition-related topics explained the food pyramid and the role of vitamins and proteins. Teachers also emphasised that a healthy lifestyle means taking care of body, mind, soul, and having a positive attitude.
