Realising the prevalence of nutrition related health problems in the country and the need for nutrition education for individuals, Nestlé Turkey decided to develop a nutrition education project for children. Beslenebilirim (Nutrition I can/Nutrition I know) is a project created by Nestlé Turkey with the partnership of Turkish Education Volunteers Foundation (TEGV), one of the most reputable NGOs in Turkey. The objective of the project is to educate 8-16 year old children on nutrition, in order to contribute to the health and wellbeing of future generations while, at the same time, to help prevent nutrition related illnesses. The project is planned for 5 years and will reach 100’000 children nation-wide by 2009, which is the 100th anniversary of Nestlé in Turkey.

The Beslenebilirim program is unique in Turkey in terms of its rich content and unique teaching methods. The content is provided and periodically revised by a scientific committee made up of the leading academics of Turkey in the area of nutrition, paediatrics and hygiene. The education materials which include specially created cartoon characters, games, puzzles, worksheets are very colourful, fun and interactive. The 8-week/16-hour long program is implemented by volunteers in the Beslenebilirim kitchens specially built for this project. As the project name suggests, children who attend the beslenebilirim program will learn correct nutrition and be able to implement its rules in their lives. The program is intended to help them gain life skills such as leadership, working in a team and analytical thinking.

Beslenebilirim program started as a pilot in 2 TEGV parks in April 2004 and has reached more than 2000 children to date. In April 2005, Beslenebilirim classes will be opened in 8 more centres. At the end of five years, a total of 70 centres will be covered.

The project was launched with the involvement of Nestlé Turkey employees in May 2004. Employees are encouraged to volunteer as trainers at this program.

To ensure the continuity of their education and to make nutrition an essential part of children’s lives, a “Beslenebilirim Club” will be formed for children who have joined the program. Each will have a special identity card and receive a quarterly bulletin which includes new and interesting subjects, caricatures, games, puzzles, competition related to nutrition.

Talks are in progress with some private schools, which are interested in offering the program to their own students as a part of the curriculum.  Also, by request, the program is shared with Ministry of Education and will be evaluated as to its appropriateness for the public school curriculum.