The Faculty of Health Sciences – Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Beirut Arab University, in collaboration with the University of Westminster- UK and the World Health Organization – Lebanon office, has launched the Lebanese version of the "Nourish to Flourish" initiative. The launch took place during a scientific meeting held at Jamal Abdel Nasser Hall at the university campus, with the participation of the Directorate General of Education at the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
The program aims to promote adolescent health and transfer academic knowledge from the university to the community. This is achieved by training nutrition students to implement awareness programs in both public and private schools, focusing on four essential pillars: Proper Nutrition, Physical Activity, Mental Health, Conscious Use of Social Media
“Nourish to Flourish” was originally an initiative launched by students at the University of Westminster under the supervision of the Assistant Professor of Public Health and Nutrition Dr. Raysa El Zein. The initiative has now expanded to Lebanon under the supervision of the Assistant Professor of Biology/Biotechnology at BAU Dr. Hana Al Tannir.
The first phase involved training BAU nutrition students, which will be followed by a phase dedicated to training adolescents in schools through integrated health modules.
The meeting was attended by representatives from government ministries, international organizations, academics, and experts in school and adolescent health. Approximately 110 participants, including students, teachers, and school principals from both sectors, engaged in interactive discussions regarding adolescent health and nutrition issues.
The Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Professor Rajaa Fakhoury emphasized the university's role in serving public health and the importance of academic and official partnerships in turning scientific knowledge into sustainable community interventions.
Then, the Head of the Nutrition Department Professor Nada El Darra highlighted the department's commitment to evidence-based health initiatives and linking university education to the health challenges faced by Lebanese schools.
The Director of Secondary Education at the Ministry of Education Dr. Khaled Fayed discussed the administrative and legal frameworks governing health programs in public schools and the role of educational policies in integrating health and physical activity into the school environment.
The Director of the Guidance and Counseling Department Dr. Hilda Khoury also presented the National School Health Program, focusing on health monitoring, early detection, and emergency response mechanisms.
The Technical Officer for Health Promotion at WHO – Lebanon Dr. Rasha Hamra presented the national awareness campaign for adolescent health based on the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS), highlighting the primary health challenges facing Lebanese youth.
The scientific sessions concluded with a presentation by Dr. Raysa El Zein on the "Nourish to Flourish" initiative, which consists of a youth-led group seeking to spread awareness among high school students on how to lead healthy and prosperous lives.
The event ended with a commitment to continued cooperation between the university, ministries, schools, and the WHO to expand the initiative's reach and support policies that enhance adolescent health across Lebanon.
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