Rising levels of child obesity and physically inactive lifestyles; as well as the challenges of engaging children in bringing about a more sustainable world, are currently high on the global education agenda. There is a great need for innovative educational resources and experiences that can help teachers and schools to empower learners to take charge of their own well-being and care of their environments. The Woolworths Making the Difference Educational Programme has broken ground with three new entertaining, educational lessons delivered in class by professional presenters, which have been running successfully since early March 2010 in primary schools across KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape and Gauteng that support the educational programme. To date, 354 lessons have been presented to 20 892 Grade Four learners collectively in these three regions. The lessons use song, movement, rhyme, storytelling, games and group participation to creatively convey key information about healthy choices and sustainable living to Grade Four learners at participating schools. The fun-filled, 30-minute lessons support Grade Four educators in bringing the curricula to life and innovatively engage learners in a deeper, interactive learning experience. The new Woolworths Making the Difference class lessons have been developed to meet the requirements of specific Learning Outcomes in the Life Orientation, Natural Sciences and Social Sciences Learning Areas. They complement the existing Woolworths Making the Difference educator resources on healthy eating, physical activity, Permaculture and sustainability. “The idea of highly interactive, entertaining class lessons is to provide a new and innovative platform for teaching and learning about healthy, sustainable living,” comments Penny Luthi, brand manager for Woolworths Making the Difference Educational programme. “Now Woolworths can share its expertise on healthy eating and sustainability right where it counts: in the classroom. This is an important extension of the programme; another way that we can support the upliftment of education in South Africa by providing schools with high quality educational resources and learning experiences that effectively address the concerns about educating children about healthy, sustainable lifestyles.” The action-packed ‘Healthy Living is Fun!’ lesson gets kids moving and teaches them the basics of a balanced meal. The importance of physical activity and making healthy eating choices is emphasised through the use of movement and rhyme. The interactive and memorable ‘Five to Feel Alive’ activity provides five essential guidelines for healthier living. In ‘The Big Stomp – Our Ecological Footprint’ lesson kids love joining in ‘The Big Stomp Rap’ and playing the ‘Earth Safety Game’. Music is a great way for learners to learn and recall the five essential, practical ways that they can reduce their ecological footprint and contribute to a more sustainable South Africa. Conceived to address the problem of the present-day lack of understanding of where our food comes from, ‘The Great Food Mystery’ lesson introduces a story-telling Truth Detective who needs the learners’ help. Colourful vegetable characters bring the history of farming to life, emphasising the importance of sustainable food production. Learners are reminded of our dependence on Nature for healthy food. South African schools participating in the Woolworths Making the Difference Educational Programme in Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal can now book the class lessons through their local Woolworths Making the Difference Educational Programme coordinators. For more information log onto www.makingthedifference.co.za/primary ENDS Issued on behalf of: Woolworths Trust Issued by: liquidlingo Communications Contact: Bazukise Marasha Email: bazukise@liquidlingo.co.za Telephone Number: +27 21 424 1530 Notes to the Editor The Making The Difference Educational Programme – an innovative educational initiative • The Making The Difference Educational Programme focuses on sharing Woolworths’ extensive knowledge around good food and nutrition. • The programme is designed for Grade Four learners and targets their educators and parents. • For parents there is a series of 45 parent talks aimed at offering assistance and advice on their children’s health, nutrition and physical well-being. MySchool Programme – Shop and raise money for Schools • The MySchool programme encourages supporters to raise funds for schools. • Consumers throughout the country who carry MySchool and Woolworths World of Difference cards can earn additional funds for their chosen schools by simply swiping their card at the tills each time they buy at any Woolworths store in South Africa. • Woolworths World of Difference card holders are automatically invited to participate in MySchool. • Cardholders can support any school of their choice and do not have to have children at school in order to participate. • Woolworths through the MySchool programme to date has contributed more than R50 million to participating schools. • In October 2007 MyPlanet / MyVillage was introduced, this an extension of the MySchool programme, enabling customers to raise funds for selected charities & environmental organisations. • As an added bonus Woolworths World of Difference card holders are entered into a monthly lucky draw via each item that they have purchased. The monthly winner receives R10 000-00 credit on their World of Difference card and another R10 000-00 for their nominated school. • All South Africans are encouraged to participate in the MySchool programme by getting a brochure from the nearest Woolworths outlet or contacting MySchool on 0860-100 445.