Bogor, 14-15 July 2025

SEAMEO RECFON, in collaboration with SEAMEO BIOTROP, successfully concluded the Training on Food Safety for Teachers and Education Personnel to Promote Safe and Healthy Schools, held over three days on 10, 14, and 15 July 2025. The first session was held online, followed by two days of in-person sessions on the second and third days in Tajur, Bogor. The training was attended by 26 teachers and education personnel from various educational levels who actively explored issues related to food safety and its practical application within school environments.

Continuing the first day’s training, the second day began with a Building Learning Commitment session led by Dr. Elis Rosdiawati (SEAMEO BIOTROP), which encouraged participants to reflect on their strategic role in fostering safe and healthy schools that support children’s growth and development. The participants then received materials on biological, chemical, and physical hazards in food processing, as well as methods for identifying high-risk foods. These sessions were delivered by Arienta R.P. Sudibya, M.Sc., Dr. Dwi Nastiti Iswarawanti, and Evi Ermayani, M.Gizi from SEAMEO RECFON. The sessions were further enriched with hands-on practice and simulations facilitated by Risa Rosita, M.Sc. from SEAMEO BIOTROP.

The training was designed to enhance participants’ skills in identifying and controlling food safety hazards while empowering them to become pioneers in fostering a food safety culture within schools.

The third day marked the peak of the training, focusing on comprehensive food safety management. Dr. Dwi Nastiti Iswarawanti and Evi Ermayani, M.Gizi, presented the fundamental principles of food safety management, followed by a session on educational communication strategies for effectively conveying food safety messages to the school community. This initiative is expected to drive sustainable changes, not only at the individual level but also across the broader education ecosystem.

As a form of implementation, each participant developed a Follow-Up Action Plan, which they presented to facilitators and fellow participants to receive constructive feedback. SEAMEO RECFON also recognised four educational institutions for their outstanding performance: SDN Cipageran Mandiri, SMP Muhammadiyah 4 Jakarta, SMPN 5 Kota Cirebon, and MAN 9 Jakarta.

Through this training, SEAMEO RECFON hopes that participants will serve as agents of change within their respective institutions and help foster a school culture that prioritises food safety and balanced nutrition, ultimately contributing to the development of a healthier, stronger, and more resilient generation.