The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Nutrition recently culminated Nutrition Awareness Month with the unveiling of a healthy eating mural at the Soufriere Primary School, which will serve as an effective means of promoting healthy eating and active living among students, staff members of the school, as well as families. This initiative marked the beginning of a renewed commitment to ensure that every child receives the knowledge, opportunity and support to make healthy food choices and to develop healthy eating habits. Chief Nutritionist in the Ministry of Health, Lisa Hunt, reiterated that the unveiling of the healthy eating mural is more than an artistic display, rather it serves as a powerful everyday visual reminder that nourishing the body with healthy foods should be embraced and celebrated. “We hope that every child who passes this mural will be inspired to eat more fruits and vegetables, to drink more water, to stay active and value our locally grown foods here in St. Lucia. May this mural serve as a constant teacher that encourages healthy behaviours and inspires not only the students, but also the teachers, the parents that come around here and the wider community to live healthier lives.”

Principal of the Soufriere Primary School, Cecilia Clovis – Haynes, welcomed the initiative, which she believes will aid in the continuous efforts at the school to raise students’ awareness towards the selection of healthier food choices. “This mural for us, it is timely, it is opportune, for it is more than just paint on a wall, but it is a reminder to our students that the food they eat helps them to grow strong, it helps to sharpen their minds and of course will ultimately help them to pursue their dreams in life. This artwork is not just artwork, it is not just a mural, but I see it as a pedagogical tool for our teachers and of course as a learning tool for our students. So in so many ways, I see it as a means of reinforcing, of complementing what we have been trying to teach them at Soufriere Primary School.”

District 8 Education Officer, Joel Charles-Charlemagne, expressed heartfelt gratitude that the Soufriere Primary School was selected for the mural, which will play a significant part in getting the students to embrace healthy eating habits. “Every single day, as students walk to class, gather for morning assembly or sit there at lunchtime, they see these vibrant images of colorful local foods and active children. This mural will impact our students in profound ways.This mural transforms our school environment into a living canvas that actively fights against unhealthy habits.”