On 28 June 2024, representatives from one of the DELICIOUS case study schools, Collège Mariste Champville (FLM), visited the Marist Brothers’ Institute in Giugliano in Campania (FMS), Naples, Italy. The Director of the Lebanese Institute and the Coordinator of the project on behalf of FLM were accompanied by the DELICIOUS Project Coordinator, Juancho Pons, who took the opportunity to organise an internal meeting with both partners.
The day began with a warm welcome from the FMS school staff, marked by a convivial exchange of traditional Lebanese and Italian snacks, perfectly capturing the intercultural spirit of the project. Following this, the project contact person for FMS, alongside a teacher from the school, guided the guests on a tour of the facilities, showcasing the progress made in promoting healthy and sustainable nutrition among students.
During the tour, the guests observed the food pyramid created by the students, which illustrates the principles of a balanced diet, and visited the football and basketball fields, as well as the gymnasium, where physical activities promoted by the project and educational events organised by FMS take place. One of the highlights of the visit was a stop at the school garden, a true open-air classroom. Nestled within the school grounds, this garden is constantly tended by both students and staff and plays a central role in educating students about food sustainability. The garden is home to seasonal vegetables, herbs, and small fruits, providing a hands-on lesson in the importance of the short supply chain and fostering a direct connection to the land. Through educational activities, students learn to plant, tend, and harvest crops, gaining a deeper understanding of food and environmental responsibility.
Following an Italian-style summer lunch, the representatives gathered to reflect on the progress achieved through the implementation of the DELICIOUS project. The representatives of the schools were able to share their experiences, discovering commonalities and identifying areas for improvement. Discussions also focused on how the research carried out by the various experts involved in the project has been transformed into innovative initiatives that directly engage students, both in Italy and Lebanon. The meeting provided an opportunity to address technical aspects of project management.
During the weekend, the colleagues also had the chance to explore Naples and experience the city’s rich culture and gastronomy.
In conclusion, the team is now preparing for the final DELICIOUS Annual Meeting, which will be held in Catania, home to one of the project partners, the University of Catania. Thanks to the June visit, both FMS and FLM will approach the next meeting with fresh insights and a clearer understanding of their achievements and the challenges that lie ahead.
