Program Overview

Introduction to the Healthy Start to Life Education for Adolescents Project

The Healthy Start to Life Education for Adolescents Project (HSLeaP) is an initiative that supports scientific and health literacy development among adolescents. This project provides opportunities for young individuals to explore the impact of the nutritional environment in early life on health and wellbeing throughout their lives.

About HSLeaP

HSLeaP brings together schools, scientists, and health professionals to empower youth in reducing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). As a multisectoral project, it equally respects goals related to education, health, and science. Through innovative learning and teaching programs linked to national curricula, HSLeaP enables adolescents to explore issues associated with the impact and prevention of obesity and related NCDs.

Project Objectives and Scope

HSLeaP is initiated by the Liggins Institute and invests in youth empowerment to support improved health in the next generation of parents and their offspring. The project is currently operating in New Zealand and the Pacific and has been adapted by the University of Southampton for the United Kingdom.

Project-wide Information

• Pacific Science for Health Literacy Project: Facilitates culturally appropriate development of HSLeaP programs in Pacific nations.
• Context-Embedded Learning: Learning centered on the exploration of a socio-scientific context, supporting capability development across the curriculum.
• The Non-Communicable Disease Epidemic: NCDs impact all communities, presenting a socio-scientific issue relevant to young people globally.
• Integrating Health Checks into Learning: Information for teachers about integrating health checks into learning and teaching programs.

Project Learning Modules

• The HSLeaP Modules: Explore aspects of the non-communicable disease epidemic for 11-16 year olds.
  • Kai no te Oraanga Meitaki: Exploring the importance of nutrition for wellbeing in the Cook Islands.
  • Te Maki Toto Vene (T2): E Manamanata no Toku Iti Tangata: Resources supporting the exploration of type 2 diabetes as a socio-scientific issue.
  • COVID-19: Resources supporting teachers to facilitate learning that explores the COVID-19 pandemic.