Marßel ​​is breaking new ground: children are healthy and active with B-Challenged”!

Marßel ​​is breaking new ground: children are healthy and active with B-Challenged”!

The 25th Neighborhood Forum recently took place in the Marßel ​​district, where exciting news and projects were presented. The focus was on the innovative project “B-Challenged”, which is aimed specifically at third and fourth graders. This project is intended to promote active outdoor play and a healthy diet among primary school children. We are now looking for 10 to 15 adult actors from schools, parents, contact police and sports clubs to help with this project as mentors and supporters. The first of three planned project meetings will take place in October.

As das-blv.de reports, the project is offered by the Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology and receives financial support from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BIPS). Given the alarmingly low number of children meeting public health guidelines for physical activity and healthy eating, this is an important step in improving the health of young people.

Presentation of further projects in the district forum

However, the Quartiersforum was not only on stage for “B-Challenged”. A total of four WiN applications – i.e. projects to promote social interaction – were presented and voted on. The Bremer Philharmoniker GmbH receives around 6,160 euros for a Cajon workshop, and the “Movement Nutrition Mobile – BEMIL” can count on 7,242 euros to promote healthy eating. The “Intercultural Women’s Group” is also planning the exciting project “Thought out loud – made visible”, which is supported with 11,800 euros. Not to forget the contribution of the Caritas Association of 8,640 euros for “Strong through Muay Thai”, which offers training for young people.

The total budget for the WiN programs this year is 156,700 euros, and the possibility of submitting further applications remains. The next neighborhood forums are scheduled for October 29th and December 10th and begin at 4 p.m. in the Landskronastrasse elementary school.

The relevance of “B-Challenged”

The “B-Challenged” project is not only important locally; it also addresses an EU-wide problem. As playgroundresearch.org explains, children in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods are particularly at risk of developing unhealthy behavioral patterns. These children often have limited access to safe playgrounds and appropriate recreational opportunities, resulting in significantly reduced levels of physical activity. This in turn brings with it an increased risk of lifestyle-related diseases.

The inequalities that can be observed from an early age are influenced by various factors that differ between genders and social classes. The B-Challenged project aims to address these complex challenges by giving children from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to play and learn actively and healthily.

This study is being carried out in a total of four countries, including the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Denmark, with the Danish part being led by the World Playground Research Institute. This international approach will also need to bear fruit in Marßel, with local actors working together to ensure a positive impact on children's health and well-being by promoting playful learning and healthy lifestyles.

Timm Kroeger, Diversity Manager at Brebau GmbH, captivated the visitors to the forum with his presentation about diversity in collaboration. The importance of bringing in different voices and perspectives became clear this afternoon. The cooperation of everyone involved is crucial to achieving the goals we have set and ensuring a healthy future for our children.

The neighborhood forum in Marßel ​​once again showed how valuable community engagement and innovative projects are for the well-being of our society. It remains to be hoped that “B-Challenged” and the other initiatives presented will be well received and can bring about lasting change.