Kreis Viersen's New School Programme Teaches Teens Healthy Living

A new health programme has launched in Kreis Viersen to teach ninth-grade students about healthy living. The initiative, called Gesunde Kommune Kreis Viersen, is a joint effort between the local council and KreisSportBund Viersen e.V. Its aim is to make health awareness a lasting part of school life and the wider community. The programme kicked off on September 25th with a session on food waste. Staff from the waste management department of Kreis Viersen and the group Foodsharing led the workshop. Students learned how to reduce waste and repurpose rescued food.

After the lesson, the pupils put their knowledge into practice by preparing a healthy snack using saved ingredients. Over the next 13 weeks, they will explore topics like nutrition, sustainability, and mental and physical wellbeing. As part of the project, they will also create a cookbook featuring their recipes. Future plans include more action days, the release of health tips, and training for teachers and community members to spread the message. The network is backed by funding from AOK Rheinland/Hamburg, Barmer, and Techniker Krankenkasse, with support secured until April 2027.

The project will continue to roll out activities aimed at promoting long-term healthy habits. Schools and residents can find updates and details about upcoming events on the official website: www.gesundekommune-kreis-viersen.de. The programme’s organisers hope to see lasting changes in how students and the community approach health and sustainability.