Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Participants in the "Health Routes" educational program will not only learn the basics of a healthy lifestyle but also be educated on caring for the environment.

The project, initiated by Nestlé with support from the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of Uzbekistan, and the Republican Center for Education, started in Uzbek schools in 2013.

"Care for the environment begins with fostering an ecological culture in society, and this process should start at an early age. It is important for even young children to understand why we need to take care of nature. We are glad to support this initiative aimed at promoting ecological values among the younger generation. We believe this will contribute significantly to building a sustainable and prosperous future for the country," said Deputy Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change, Jusipbek Kazbekov.

As part of the "Health Routes" school program, a special educational module has been developed to implement ecological education, which includes interactive presentations for classes and methodological recommendations for teachers.

"The country’s leadership attaches great importance to the health of the younger generation and its ecological education. This task requires the consolidation of public efforts and active participation from citizens. We are pleased that businesses are involved in addressing social issues and offering meaningful initiatives capable of promoting a culture of health and responsible environmental stewardship," emphasized Sherzod Khudoykulov, Director of the Republican Center for Education at the Ministry of Preschool and School Education of Uzbekistan.

In addition to ecological lessons, the project organizers plan to conduct extra activities for children, parents, and teachers, engaging them in active actions to care for nature.

"For Nestlé, educational programs in schools are an essential part of our commitments to sustainability. They encompass people, their families and pets, as well as communities and the planet. All educational projects are united under the global initiative ‘Nestlé for Healthier Kids,’ which aims to help 50 million children worldwide lead healthier lives by 2030. The ‘Health Routes’ project in Uzbekistan focuses on instilling an ecological culture in children and adolescents and raising awareness of the importance of caring for the environment," noted Sergey Lysyuk, General Director of Nestlé in Uzbekistan.

In the 2023-2024 academic year, the "Health Routes" program covered over 35 schools in six regions of Uzbekistan, including Andijan, Bukhara, Kashkadarya, Namangan, Samarkand, and Fergana, as well as the Republic of Karakalpakstan and Tashkent city. In the 2024-2025 academic year, the organizers plan to expand the project nationwide.