This innovative programme which addresses children aged 7-13, helping them better understand nutrition and healthy eating, was launched in the Dominican Republic in February 1991. The main objective of La Escuelita MAGGI, or Little MAGGI School, is to give children their first nutrition and culinary experience, learning about good eating habits in an enjoyable way.
La Escuelita is a house located in the centre of Santo Domingo. It was purposely designed and decorated as a fun space for children, featuring bright colours, cartoons with messages on the walls, toys and other interactive elements.
It has a permanent staff consisting of the director, an administrative assistant and a chef. They are assisted by a Nestlé nutritionist and four friendly characters who play specific roles, accompanying the children during their visit.
Approximately 40 children visit the school every day, from Monday to Friday, with a total of 6,000 children taking part in the programme each year. They are invited through their school or summer camp and are accompanied by their teachers.
The programme has four key components:
- Welcome
Upon their arrival the children are welcomed by MAGGIE-E, one of the characters, who takes them to the “nutrition room.”
- Nutrition lecture
In the “nutrition room” the children are given a talk on the basic concepts of nutrition and healthy eating, using the nutritional pyramid.
- Choosing the right ingredients for cooking
The next stop is a mini market where the chef gives the children information and advice about healthy ingredients. They then select the ingredients to prepare the recipe of the day.
- Cooking a healthy recipe
The children are given hygiene and food handling tips. They are shown how to wash their hands, clean the vegetables, and prepare the food. The chef in charge of the preparation process gets the children involved. When the meal is ready, they return to their seats and enjoy the delicious and healthy meal they have helped to prepare.