FAO educates the scouts on nutrition

Thursday, 3 March 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The 9th National Scout Jamboree organised by the Sri Lanka National Scout Association was held from 20 to 26 February in Jaffna, Sri Lanka. The Jamboree brought together almost 10,000 scouts from all over Sri Lanka who camped out for one week in the spirit of brotherhood and unity.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) along with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health organised an exhibition stall at this forum. This exhibit consisted of posters, banners, leaflets, brochures, multimedia presentations, interactive quizzes, games and puzzles to enhance the children’s knowledge on nutrition.

One of the other main activities organized by FAO was the skit competition where the attending children of scout troops had to create a seven to 10 minute skit under the nutrition related theme provided to them. Twenty schools were short-listed while ten were selected for the final prizes.

The prize giving was held on 24 February at the Jamboree Office complex with the participation and presentation of awards by the Scout Commissioner, International Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners and the members of the main organising committee. Bandarawela Vishaka Balika Maha Vidyalaya won first place and WP/K/Tissa Natinal School, Kalutara won second place, while Carmel Girls School, Chilaw won third place and cash prizes of Rs. 100,000 Rs. 75,000 and Rs. 50,000 was awarded respectively. The fourth to 10th places were awarded Rs. 10,000 each.

The activities funded by the joint project between FAO and World Food Program (WFP) on ‘Scaling-up Nutrition for a Multi-Sector Approach’ was an overall success, complete with interactive and educational activities in enhancing the children’s knowledge on FAO as well as good eating habits, clean and healthy foods and nutrition.