Cultivating Nutritional Literacy and Health Awareness

By -


Cultivating Nutritional Literacy and Health Awareness

In an era where dietary habits significantly influence long-term well-being, addressing the nutritional challenges faced by school children has become a national priority. Recognizing this, “Leo Club of University of Colombo” successfully conducted the second phase of our premier health project, "Arogya 8.0," on “10th April, 2026”, at “Bellana National School”. Targeting approximately 65 students, the program focused specifically on the critical issues of malnutrition and overweight (obesity). The session was facilitated by “Dr. Maheshika Priyadarshani” from the “Agalawatta Divisional Hospital”, who provided students with a profound understanding of the importance of organic vegetables and the severe health risks associated with fatty foods and sugar-sweetened beverages “Promoting Sustainable Habits and Affordable Nutritional Plans”

True health is more than just the consumption of food; it is the synergy of proper hygiene and an active lifestyle. During the session, Dr. Maheshi Priyadarshani emphasized that a healthy lifestyle is attainable even with limited resources. A standout feature of the program was the promotion of “Nutritional food plans using affordable, locally sourced ingredients”. Students were taught how to meet their daily requirements for proteins, vitamins, and minerals through indigenous grains, leafy greens, and vegetables grown in home gardens. Furthermore, the program educated students on “the hygienic maintenance and usage of water bottles and lunch boxes” to prevent foodborne illnesses and encourage a move away from unhealthy dietary patterns “Toward a Healthy Tomorrow through a Nutritious Today”

The core message of this entire initiative was " _A Healthy Tomorrow through a Nutritious Today." The intervention by Leo Club of University of Colombo, in collaboration with medical professionals, went beyond a mere lecture to spark a genuine behavioral shift in the students. By encouraging children to move away from fast-food culture and embrace nutrient-dense local alternatives, we can gift the nation a healthy, intelligent, and resilient future generation. As the 65 participating students carry this vital message back to their families, the overall health practices of the Bellana community will be strengthened. This step taken through project Arogya 8.0 stands as a significant milestone in ensuring the health security of the children who will lead our country tomorrow.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Leo Infinity

By -
Image
Leo Infinity On March 6, 2026, Leo Club of University of Colombo brought a wave of excitement and renewed energy to Aluthwewa Kanishta Vidyalaya in Hambegamuwa, Thanamalwila. As part of their ambitious sports initiative, Leo Infinity, the club organized a heartfelt donation event that aimed to reignite the sporting passion among young students who had been sidelined for far too long. For the past four years, this rural school had been unable to host its annual sports meet. The reason? A complete lack of essential sports equipment. Talented kids with dreams of excelling in athletics, cricket, volleyball, and more were forced to sit on the sidelines or borrow gear from neighbouring schools just to get a taste of practice. It was a frustrating barrier, especially in a community where sports could be a gateway to confidence, teamwork, and even future opportunities. Spotting this critical gap, led by their dynamic president, Leo Miran Malinga. Under the banner of Leo Infinity, a massive p...
Read more

Caring for two lives,supporting one journey

By -
Image
Thirtha – Phase 01: Mathru   On March 10, 2026, Leo Club of University of Colombo carried out the first phase of its signature project Thirtha , titled Mathru , with the guidance of the Oruwala Lions Club at the MOH Clinic in Maningala Nattandiya, conducted from 10.00 a.m. onwards. This initiative focused on supporting pregnant mothers by addressing both their physical and mental well-being. This phase was organized with the coordination of the Divisional Secretariate Office in Nattandiya and under the valuable guidance of MOH Nattandiya, Dr. Ajith Hemantha, who played a key role in identifying the Maningala area as a suitable location for the project. With his continuous support and coordination, the team successfully obtained permission from the RDHS Office in Puttalam, which also provided details of 30 pregnant mothers in need of assistance. Recognizing the challenges faced by expecting mothers, especially in underserved communities, the project aimed to ease their journ...
Read more

Plant a Hope 8.0 – Phase 2: Ocean Guard

By -
Image
  Plant a Hope 8.0 – Phase 2: Ocean Guard Marine and Mangrove Ecosystem Protection Program Plant a Hope 8.0 successfully completed its second phase, “Ocean Guard,” on March 21 st at Kirama Oya and Medaketiya Beach in Tangalle. This phase focused on two core activities: installing a floating waste barrier at the mouth of Kirama Oya and cleaning Medaketiya Beach. The day began with the beach cleanup. Leos from our club, Scouts and Scout Leaders from Polommaruwa Model School and their parents, Environment Cadets from Weeraketiya Rajapaksha Central College, and the cleaning staff of the Urban Council of Tangalle all took part. Medaketiya Beach is a popular destination for tourists who visit to sunbathe, surf, and relax. As locals, we recognize the importance of keeping this beach clean and welcoming to attract visitors and preserve a healthy coastal environment. Over several hours, we collected a large quantity of trash - mainly plastic - from the beach and handed it over to t...
Read more