Following the recent developments in health strategies and policies in the UAE, GEMS International School has announced a series of innovative initiatives under the MYHealth programme. GEMS International School responded quickly to the National School Health Agenda’s new requirements, with the launch of ‘MYHealth Kids’, a school initiative and program to support all students.

The programme includes a personalised fitness plan where students are set targets to maintain or improve their fitness components, based on students’ individual performances in standardised fitness tests and an encouragement to join numerous activities throughout the year.

The launch of MYHealth was hosted by two Middle Year Programme students, who along with Graziano Mannari (Ex Professional at AC Milan) and Nicola Ventola (Ex Professional at Inter Milan) encouraged students to be physically active and set goals for themselves in areas they need improvement.

The launch event was attended by educational leaders from GEMS Education including Glen Radojkovich, GEMS International School CEO and Head of School and James MacDonald GEMS Education, Vice President for the IB and American cluster. The launch brought students, parents and staff together to participate in physical activities, healthy food preparation and relaxing activities and was a huge success.

“GEMS International School is very pleased with the success of ‘MYHealth’ so far and we are really looking forward to building on that with our school community and partners in the UAE, to encourage the development of healthier citizens. As a school that values student wellbeing, we are extremely pleased to know that the government is requiring an increase in active time for learners.”, said Glen Radojkovich, Head of School.

Since the launch of ‘MYHealth Kids’, the school has also announced the launch of ‘MYHealth Staff’ and had many external providers contributing with a different range of activities from collection of biometric data, food awareness, yoga and physical exercises. Companies like Fitness First, Rig Crossfit, Golf DXB, Art of Living Dubai, Nicky Fitness School, AC Milan, Hamilton Aquatics, Shaolin Kung Fu, Ultimate Athletics, PH7, and Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club have been supporting GEMS International School to deliver its program.

Over 58 staff members participated in the physical activities, before and after school. Staff families also came together to participate in the Super Sports Run while trying to set goals for themselves.

Cristina Bento, MYHealth Coordinator commented: “The main goal at GIS is to support all community members with their overall health and wellbeing, bringing our community closer together and ensuring our school is the happiest and healthiest place to be”.

‘MYHealth Parents’ will follow up on these initiatives, as it will be launched during the next academic school year. This program will allow parents to use school’s facilities to train with personal trainers, develop their swimming skills, getting their general health condition checked up by accredited physicians and avail amazing offers and discounts so they, alongside the faculty, can role model to their children.