The V-fitness wellness programme, which is aimed to promote healthy living in the work place, has been extended to pupils in Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) lower Trust schools and the Konkola Trust Secondary school.

Head Teacher at Konkola Trust primary school, Namakaliza Kazwala, and her Konkola Trust secondary school counterpart Abel Bwishi hailed the launch of the programme in schools, saying it would ensure students remained active and fit and ultimately improve class performances.

Ms Kazwala said exercises played a vital role in the lives of the children as physical activity primed the brain for learning.

She said that, “physical activity in school has a positive influence on impulsive eating and actions and has several other benefits.” Schools should be interested in ensuring they avert childhood obesity and impulsive reactions.
Ms Kazwala said the V-fitness would help the pupils to be in shape and lead healthy lifestyles.
Mr Bwishi separately said the extension of the V-fitness to students should help the learners to ‘think of exercise as medication.’

“We know that exercise helps with executive functions like sequencing, memory, and prioritizing which then contribute to necessary skills for success in school and life,” Mr Bwishi said.

He said physical activity produces chemicals in the brain that regulate mood, pleasure, and pain.

An elevated person can contribute to an ‘I can do it’ attitude, which is essential for pupils to approach new tasks as challenges with possible solutions and not complete obstacles, he added.

Most students received the launch with gratitude because they had never experienced such an amazing fitness programme.

Constance Mulenga from Konkola Trust Secondary School said, “I am happy to be part of this amazing exercise and will surely tell my parents about it. My weight, height was checked and I am so delighted and I would like to have more of these.”