Global efforts
Malnutrition, undernutrition and obesity threaten the survival, growth and development of children and young people, according to the State of the World's Children 2019 report released by the United Nations Children's Fund.
According to the report, obesity levels among children and adolescents continue to rise around the globe.
From 2000 to 2016, the proportion of overweight children and youth (aged 5 to 19) rose from one in 10 to almost one in five.
Under the guidance of several national health and disease and control agencies, Shunyi launched the Nutrition School pilot project in 2016.
UNICEF supported the preliminary research work of the project, including through financial and technical support, and promoted obesity intervention.
"The project aims to promote nutrition education and physical activities to prevent children and adolescents from becoming overweight and obese," Zhao said.
As one of the pilot schools of the project, the Experimental School offers the class on nutritional food and runs a "happy farm" for its 3,400 students to experience farming.
Fan Hongyu teaches students how to recognize different vegetable seeds, explains the growth characteristics of plants and guides them on growing herbs and vegetables, including chives and cucumbers.
When the vegetables are harvested, she encourages students to take some home and cook for their parents.
Vice-principal Zhao Jinlong said the school plans to invite vegetable farmers to take students and teachers through the cultivation process step by step. He expects the students will learn about planting knowledge and better appreciate the ups and downs of being a farmer.
To help students become healthier, the school also encourages physical exercise through rope jumping and long-distance running.
The prevention and control of chronic diseases should start with children and should be jointly run by the health and education authorities, according to Li Yindong, head of the Center for Disease Prevention and Control of Shunyi District.
