Madrid Schools Set the Pace for Rethinking Health and Physical Literacy

From yoga breaks to eco-runs and student-led wellness campaigns, schools in the Madrid region are proving that health and physical literacy go far beyond the gym. This was the message that resonated during the third Moving for Health (MfH) project meeting, hosted by Deporte para la Educación y la Salud (DES) in Madrid from 6–9 April 2025.

Bringing together educators, project partners, and stakeholders, the meeting highlighted the transformative power of creative, inclusive, and student-centered initiatives within school environments.

A Hands-On Look at Health in Schools

Over four dynamic days, participants attended capacity-building workshops and visited schools across Madrid, including IES Victoria Kent, a standout secondary school known for its holistic approach. Teachers from three diverse schools shared their experiences, including how they blend physical activity with sustainability, nutrition, and mental health through projects like:

• Dance Wednesdays and cooking classes
• Eco-friendly races where students collect litter
• Exchange programmes with schools from Denmark, Spain, Ukraine, and even Togo
• Annual “Encuentros por la Igualdad” fostering inclusion through sport

One unique program allowed students to organize an environmental race, handling everything from sponsorship to logistics—proof that leadership and learning can go hand-in-hand.

“Emotional Salary” and the Power of Passion

While the programs vary, one thread ties them all together: dedicated staff who volunteer their time and energy. Despite challenges like limited funding, high teacher turnover, and voluntary participation, what drives these efforts is a sense of purpose. As one teacher put it: “We do it because we believe in it.” This passion—referred to as an “emotional salary”—is what keeps the momentum going.

Inclusivity also took center stage, with schools integrating adapted sports and ensuring access for students with disabilities. At IES Victoria Kent, physical activities cost just €14 per year thanks to community partnerships—making health more accessible than ever.

Moving the Project Forward

Beyond school visits, the meeting was also a critical moment for the project’s next steps:

• The MfH Online Training Tool is now available in English, Spanish, and Swedish (Slovenian coming soon).
• Pilot testing is rolling out across Spain, Slovenia, and Sweden with health professionals, sport staff, and community leaders.
• Plans are underway for national workshops and the 2025 MOVE Congress in Denmark, where findings will be shared.

As the Moving for Health project continues, the message from Madrid is clear: schools are not just classrooms—they’re hubs of innovation, inclusion, and inspiration.

Explore the MfH Learning Tool: https://movingforhealth.isca.org/learning-tool