Jaffna Hindu College has been recognized as one of the winners at the regional award ceremony of the esteemed AIA Healthiest Schools Competition, an initiative by AIA Group designed to encourage healthier habits among students throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The competition, which attracted a record number of entries from eight regional markets, celebrates schools that implement innovative and impactful projects focused on healthy eating, active living, mental wellbeing, and sustainability.
Jaffna Hindu College distinguished itself in the Active Lifestyles Award category with a creative, community-driven project that introduced a bicycle rental system. This initiative aimed to provide all students with greater access to physical activity, promoting healthier lifestyles across the school community and beyond.
The winners of the AIA Healthiest Schools Programme were honored at a vibrant regional awards ceremony in Da Nang, Vietnam, where prize money was presented to support their ongoing health and wellbeing initiatives.
The College’s Cycling Club was established to make physical activity both accessible and enjoyable for every student. The club’s innovative bicycle rental system, managed through a custom software platform, ensured equitable access regardless of students’ financial backgrounds. Activities included a cycle parade and three themed challenges centered on endurance, speed, and teamwork. The initiative rapidly gained popularity, engaging over 100 students and receiving strong support from teachers, parents, and local businesses. Experienced community cyclists volunteered as coaches, while cycling organizations contributed by providing safety training and route planning.
“We believe that nurturing the wellbeing of our younger generation is key to building a healthier, longer, and better future for everyone. We are immensely proud of Jaffna Hindu College for winning the Active Lifestyles Award in the AIA Healthiest Schools Competition. Their inspiring initiative stands as a powerful example of how schools can foster healthier habits among students through meaningful community collaboration,” stated Sasith Bambaradeniya, Chief Marketing Officer of AIA Sri Lanka.
This achievement marks a significant moment for Sri Lanka, as Jaffna Hindu College’s regional recognition highlights the ingenuity of the nation’s youth and educators. It underscores the country’s growing commitment to holistic education and positions Sri Lanka as a progressive leader in student health and wellbeing, encouraging other schools across the island to consider similar transformative initiatives.
The AIA Healthiest Schools Programme is part of the AIA One Billion initiative, which strives to engage one billion people in living healthier, longer, and better lives by 2030. As the first edition of the AIA Healthiest School concludes, AIA reaffirms its commitment to the crucial role of education in advancing sustainable development and societal wellbeing.
The second phase of the AIA Healthiest Schools Programme is now open. For more information, visit www.ahs.aia.com/lk.
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