96% of parents prefer to generalize the program to all schools
In cooperation with Jeddah's Education Department, Master Foods Middle East is preparing to launch "Al Haraka Baraka" program that is aiming to promote practicing physical activity among primary school students in the age group of nine to eleven, without the need for an atmosphere of competition or group sports. The program is designed to encourage students to practice physical activity inside the classroom, with options to exercise outdoor or at home. Al Haraka Barakh provides the children an easy manual of ways to increase their daily physical activities without the need to change their way of living or to spend money. The program was launched as a response to the fact that our way of living has changed tremendously within less than one generation. People do only 25% of the physical activities they used to do 30 years ago, which indicates that our society is more liable to diseases such as obesity, diabetes and psychological stress.
The program is based upon scientific and internationally-approved techniques, and is specially designed to match the nature and habits of the Saudi society. A selection of international academics and nutrition experts participated in studying the subjects and reaching solutions, then the local version of the program was developed in cooperation with Dr. Haza' Al Haza', from King Saud University in Riyadh who is specialized in physiology of physical activity, Dr. Abdulrahman Al Misaiqir, chairman of the Arab Nutrition Center and Master Foods Middle East.
The program was field-tested at several schools, and results revealed that 57.1% of teachers believe that the information contained in the program is relevant and suitable for the target age group. Among teachers questioned in the study, 42.9% of them rated the program as excellent, while 54.5% confirmed that their students prefer to use the program and view it as suitable. The field study revealed that 90.9% of teachers advise other schools to implement the program. Results showed that 91% of the children have said that the program is suitable for them, 57% mentioned that they follow the program at their homes, and 52.5% said that their parents encourage them to follow the program. In addition, 90.6% of parents said the program content is suitable for their children, and 98.9% said that they encourage their children to exercise more. 55.7% of parents help their children during practicing the program, and 96.2% prefer to generalize the program to all other schools. While 45.3% of parents think that the program is good, 42.5% view it as very good.
Commenting on this initiative, Mr. Abdul Hakeem Al Hakeem, external affairs manager - Master Foods said, "Several studies showed that people nowadays are practicing only 25% of the physical activity they used to do a few years ago. Undoubtedly, this will make our society more exposed to health diseases like obesity, diabetes and psychological stress. Accordingly, we decided to launch Al Haraka Barakh program, which is highlighting the negative effects of less-active way of living, and providing teachers the materials needed for program implementation. The program includes four lessons providing easy-to-do activities and sets a health standard for our younger generations.
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© Press Release 2006
