The culinary team at Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort and students of the International School of Choueifat in the Mushrif area of Abu Dhabi have introduced children to healthy eating habits, through the ‘Adopt a School’ initiative.
Chefs of the landmark Abu Dhabi hotel visited the school on the 25th of April and the 2nd of May to conduct a one-hour session with the pupils.
The ‘Adopt a School’ initiative was announced earlier this year as Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Abu Dhabi formed a partnership with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts of the United Kingdom. Bringing the programme to the UAE, all seven Starwood hotels in Abu Dhabi are part of the activities including Le Royal Meridien Abu Dhabi, Aloft Abu Dhabi, Le Meridien Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Abu Dhabi, The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Westin Abu Dhabi and Sheraton Abu Dhabi.
With almost 18% of children aged between 2 and 15 years old having grown clinically obese in the last decade, the programme aims to tackle childhood obesity by giving children a hands-on approach to food education. The ‘Adopt a School’ programme has been designed as a tool to give children knowledge on healthy eating and practical skills at an early stage. The programme can be rolled out to all ages, starting at primary school age when future eating habits are first formed.
Balveer Balkissoon, Executive Chef of Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel said: “We are very proud to be involved in this initiative. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience to teach children about the benefits of healthy eating. As children are so receptive to new ideas, it is the perfect opportunity to start their education. Their enthusiasm is infectious and we very much look forward to our third, final session at the end of May.”
