In an era where physical and mental well-being is paramount, the United Wellness Project (UWP) stands as a beacon of change. Through its holistic approach to wellness, this Erasmus+ initiative has left a lasting impact on youth across North Macedonia, Croatia, and France, empowering young individuals with the knowledge and tools to lead healthier lives.
A Vision for Wellness: The Project’s Foundation
Launched in September 2022 and completed in July 2023, the United Wellness Project sought to address pressing health challenges in North Macedonia, including the rise of chronic diseases and preventable conditions. The project, initiated by a group of young resident doctors, centered on three critical pillars of wellness:
- Sleep
- Nutrition
- Physical Activity
Through a mix of research, workshops, and advocacy, the project aimed to elevate health literacy among youth, fostering a culture of wellness. It recognized that informed, empowered young people are the key to building a healthier, more resilient society.
Objectives: Building Awareness and Driving Change
The United Wellness Project pursued the following core objectives:
- Raise Awareness: Educate youth about the importance of sleep, nutrition, and physical activity through online resources, social media, and in-person workshops.
- Empower Ambassadors: Enable students to become wellness ambassadors, spreading knowledge within their communities.
- Engage Policymakers: Initiate dialogues with school administrators and policymakers to advocate for better nutritional standards in student dorms and kitchens.
- Create Lasting Resources: Develop a trilingual website housing articles, BMI calculators, and nutritious recipes, accessible in Macedonian, English, and Albanian.
Implementation: From Research to Action
The United Wellness Project’s success stemmed from its multi-faceted approach:
1. Research Survey
A comprehensive survey conducted in North Macedonia, Croatia, and France provided critical insights into youth perspectives on wellness. This data shaped the project’s workshops and informed advocacy efforts.
2. Workshops Across Borders
Over 100 workshops in Macedonian high schools engaged students, building awareness and equipping them with actionable wellness strategies. A study visit to Croatia extended the project’s impact, facilitating collaboration and sparking transformation among students.
3. Digital Outreach
The project’s multilingual website and active Instagram profile became hubs for wellness education, featuring articles, BMI calculators, and nutritious recipes tailored for youth.
4. Policy Advocacy
Equipped with evidence from its research and workshops, UWP engaged the Ministry of Education to advocate for healthier, protein-rich, and calorie-dense food options in student dorms and kitchens—a conversation that continues beyond the project’s timeline.
Results: A Legacy of Impact
The United Wellness Project achieved remarkable outcomes that continue to inspire change:
- Multilingual Wellness Platform: A user-friendly website offering wellness resources in Macedonian, English, and Albanian.
- Youth Engagement: An Instagram profile tailored to younger audiences amplified awareness and participation.
- Evidence-Based Advocacy: Research findings provided a foundation for dialogues with policymakers and the refinement of wellness strategies.
- Wide Reach: 100 workshops across high schools in North Macedonia reached thousands of students.
- Cross-Border Collaboration: A study visit to Croatia deepened partnerships and extended the project’s reach.
- Future Publication: Work is underway on a publication summarizing the project’s findings and recommendations.
A Call to Action: Continuing the Wellness Movement
The United Wellness Project may have concluded, but its mission is far from over. The initiative underscores the importance of health literacy and advocacy, urging youth, educators, and policymakers to prioritize wellness in every aspect of life.
By fostering a culture of informed health choices, the United Wellness Project has laid the groundwork for a healthier, more vibrant future. Explore the project’s resources at unitedwellness.com.mk, and join the movement for youth empowerment and holistic well-being.
Let’s take the first step toward a wellness revolution—because a healthier tomorrow starts today.
