UEW Basic School Hosts Fruit Day to Promote Healthy Living
The University of Education, Winneba (UEW) Basic School has taken a bold step to promote child health and nutrition by organising a hands-on and exciting "Fruit Day" celebration.
The event brought together pupils, teachers, and school administrators in a rich display of creativity, learning and nutrition education centred on the benefits of fruits.
Held on the school's premises, the “Fruit Day” featured engaging activities such as the preparation of fruit kebabs, fruit salads and fresh fruit juices and smoothies. This was not only fun but also educational, allowing the children to touch, taste and prepare various fruit-based meals.
According to Ms. Shine Lillian Gifty Agbevivi, Director of the UEW Basic School, the event was designed to expose learners to a wider range of fruits than they are typically familiar with. “We intentionally chose fruits beyond the usual banana and watermelon to spark their curiosity and appreciation for diverse nutrients. We also wanted them to experience different ways fruits can be consumed, be it visually, tastefully or healthily,” she said.
Madam Grace Appiah-Gyimah, Head of the UEW Basic School, echoed this by highlighting the school's consistent efforts in promoting nutrition. “Our children are served fruits every day after lunch. What we did today is a reinforcement and a fun way to deepen their understanding of fruits and their importance,” she explained.
The educational aspect was particularly emphasised by Ms. Ekua B. Acquaye, one of the leading teachers behind the initiative. “We used visuals, demonstrations and discussions to explain the functions of each fruit. Pineapples, for instance, are great for digestion because of their fiber. Mangoes help build strong bones. Watermelons are good for hydration and bananas promote healthy skin. All these fruits are power-packed with vitamins that boost children’s immune systems and protect them from common illnesses,” she noted.
Ms. Ekua Acquaye also pointed out that the hands-on preparation helped the children retain what they learned. “When they peel, chop, mix and taste these fruits themselves, they connect with the lesson in a way that is unforgettable,” she affirmed.
Madam Karen Zekortia, another teacher at the school, elaborated on how the day helped children understand the multi-functionality of fruits. “We showed them how fruits can be eaten raw and turned into salads, juices and kebabs. They even learned that certain fruits can be used in cooking. This changes their perspective on how they see fruits; they now see fruits not as a boring snack but as something fun and flexible.”
Madam Selasi Aidoo added that the event taught students important values beyond nutrition. “They learned teamwork, how to share and how to appreciate food in different forms. But to sustain this habit, we need parents on board. We are encouraging them to include fruits in daily snacks instead of sugary alternatives,” she averred.
The pupils themselves were brimming with enthusiasm. From shouting out their favourite fruits, mango, banana, apple and coconut, to excitedly recalling what they had prepared and tasted, their joy was contagious. Many of them eagerly expressed interest in trying fruit kebabs at home and were able to confidently describe what fruits do for their bodies.
This “Fruit Day” forms part of UEW Basic School’s broader commitment to child development, holistic health and practical learning. According to the organisers, this is just the beginning. “We plan to do more,” said Mrs. Ekua Acquaye, who hinted at future activities like fruit art, fruit-based meals and themed health days. "Today was a success but we are only scratching the surface of what experiential learning can look like when it comes to nutrition.”
In an era where child nutrition is becoming increasingly important, UEW Basic School’s “Fruit Day” stands as a model of how creative, collaborative and curriculum-aligned initiatives can leave a lasting impact, one juicy bite at a time.
