The Pencils and Erasers Foundation

To encourage healthier lifestyles, Raza Khan Primary School in Swat has launched a weekly program promoting healthy eating habits and better hygiene among students. This initiative, called “Wellness Fridays,” aims to instill lifelong values in young minds. The school focuses on raising awareness and educating students about balanced diets, regular hand washing, staying hydrated, and personal hygiene.

One of the teachers leading the program shared,

“We realized that many of our students were unaware of the connection between their health and daily habits. Through this program, we teach children the importance of health and hygiene so they can apply these lessons in their lives and hope that it will help their academics as well.”

Each Friday, students participate in educational and engaging activities designed to promote awareness and a love for healthy living. These activities include a healthy lunchbox contest, interactive hygiene workshops, fitness sessions, and more. Teachers also communicate with parents, encouraging them to support these efforts at home.

In just a few weeks, the program has made a noticeable impact. Students eagerly look forward to “Wellness Fridays,” finding the sessions engaging and a refreshing change from their usual routines. Perhaps the most important feedback comes from the students themselves, who recognize the improvements in their overall health. Teachers have observed that students are now more attentive in class, which they attribute to better nutrition and healthier habits.

Ali, a 5th grader, expressed his excitement, saying,

“I never liked vegetables, but now I enjoy them because I know they make me healthy and strong. I also feel more focused and energetic now.”

Beyond the students, parents have also noticed positive changes at home. Many have reported that their children are now more conscious of their food choices, actively requesting healthier meal options and reminding siblings to wash their hands before meals. Some families have even started implementing “Wellness Weekends,” extending the program’s influence beyond school hours.

Teachers believe that by reinforcing these habits at home, the program’s long-term effectiveness will be strengthened.

Malnutrition remains a major issue in Pakistan, along with hygiene-related diseases and unhealthy lifestyle habits. According to UNICEF, nearly 38% of Pakistani children suffer from stunted growth due to poor nutrition. Implementing wellness programs in schools can help address these challenges and pave the way for a healthier future. Every school in Pakistan should introduce similar initiatives to prioritize students’ health and well-being.

Additionally, policymakers and educators should collaborate to expand such initiatives on a national scale. By integrating wellness education into school curricula and providing resources for healthier meals in cafeterias, schools can play a more proactive role in shaping healthier generations. Government and private sector partnerships can also contribute to funding health workshops and providing access to clean drinking water in schools, further amplifying the impact of wellness programs.

Let’s ensure that our children grow up equipped with the tools they need to lead happy and healthy lives. After all, as the saying goes, “Healthy habits start young.”

Article written by Hania Malik

Staff Writer,

Pencils and Erasers.