TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK

DOHA OVER the next one month, thousands of children across the Gulf region will take part in a programme that highlights the importance of dairy nutrition.

In the lead up to World Milk Day on 1 June, Anchor — a leading dairy brand produced by Fonterra, the world’s largest dairy processor — will raise awareness about the importance of milk in the diet of growing children.

The month-long initiative will include a range of activities that showcase dairy’s nutritional benefits and help children understand where milk comes from, answering some age old questions, such as ‘How does a cow turn grass into milk?’ and ‘Why is milk white in colour?’ Kamal Gupta, managing director, Fonterra Brands Middle East, Africa and Commonwealth of Independent States, said, “Our objective is to support the community to help educate children in Qatar about health and nutrition so that they can make informed food choices throughout their childhood and adulthood.

Milk is a food source rich in important nutrients such as calcium, potassium and Vitamin D, which helps protect the teeth from decay, keeps bones healthy and prevents the onset of osteoporosis later in life.” “It’s important for children to take an interest in looking after their health from an early age.

This initiative gives us the opportunity to make a real difference to the health and well-being of future generations in the Middle East,” Gupta added.

As part of ‘The School Milk Project’, Anchor has produced a fun learning pack with facts, puzzles, questions and stickers to teach the children everything they need to know about milk. There will also be a team of speciallytrained staff to deliver informative presentations on milk to school teachers as a means of further strengthening the campaign.

From May 20 to June 20, all children aged between six and 10 across Qatar, Bahrain and the UAE, can explore their imagination by entering the ‘Draw Your Dream New Zealand Farm’ competition.

The participating children may draw, paint or crayon their dream New Zealand farm for a chance to win an all-expensespaid family holiday to New Zealand, the home of Anchor.

Gupta concludes, “Creative activities are the most effective way to engage children and teach them about the importance of a healthy and balanced diet, which is why Anchor is rolling out this customised learning programme for children across the region.” Participants in the online art competition can upload their drawing via the competition portal, www.AnchorNZchallenge- .com from May 20 onwards and following this, they will receive a link to their drawing online to share with friends and family and encourage them to vote for their drawings. The top five children with the most votes will be shortlisted, and the winner with the most vivid imagination and drawing skills will be chosen by a panel of independent judges.