Also making a presentation at the event was Dr. Danielle Hollar, a consultant for Obesity Prevention Programming, Research and Evaluation, who made a presentation on "The OrganwiseGuys" Comprehensive School Program, which focuses on improving children's health and academic performance.
Thirty children from cycle 2 of each school will be participating in this breakfast program. The schools participating in this program are the Oranje School, Sister Marie Laurence and Hillside Christian School. These schools were specifically chosen because research showed that the children at these schools were not having breakfast regularly. Research shows that children who do not have a good breakfast usually have problems concentrating in class.
In addition, the teachers will also be consulted to inquire if there is any progress in the children as it relates to their grades and general participation in class. The breakfast menu will include fruits, dairy products, vegetables etc. The menu will be nutritional balanced with foods from four food groups; dairy, grains, meats, fruits/vegetables.
"It is important for us to see how the children will respond to the items on the menu, we will switch it up as much as possible, by offering a variety weekly," said Richardson.
The menu will be rotated weekly. An example of the menu will be tuna sandwiches, ham and cheese sandwiches, turkey sandwiches all with lettuce and tomato; peanut butter sandwiches; cereal; hardboiled eggs; yoghurt; milk; 100% fruit juice; milk and water.
At the end of the 2012/2013 school year the program will be evaluated. "We hope by 2013/2014 school year to expand the program to other schools, and we encourage others to take it up," said Richardson.
Minister of Public Health Social Development & Labor, Cornelius De Weever stated that "it is a great program that if it is executed properly it will have a positive outcome especially for the children."
The Ministry of Public Health Social Development & Labor will fund the breakfast program to a tune of Naf 90,000 and the Ministry of Education, Culture Youth & Sports will fund the physical education part of the program. The project has been presented to the respective schools' managers and community project coordinators.