The International University of Cuanza (UNIC) held a nutrition fair as part of the celebrations for National Nutritionist Day. The initiative, organized by the Human Nutrition and Dietetics program in the School of Health Sciences, brought together approximately 200 participants on the institution’s campus, in an atmosphere marked by knowledge, interaction, and strong community engagement.
The event was opened by the dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr. Leonardo Hernandez, who welcomed those present and highlighted the importance of nutrition as an essential pillar of human development. In his remarks, he encouraged students, particularly those in the nursing and nutrition programs, to take an active role in promoting health and addressing the food-related challenges that still persist in the country.
The fair’s program stood out for the diversity and relevance of its activities. Among the most memorable moments was the workshop “Nutrition and Academic Performance,” led by Professor Jaime Azpiazu Saiz, which explored the direct relationship between eating habits and academic performance. Meanwhile, the keynote lecture “The Importance of Nutrition,” delivered by Professor Virginia Kambani Sumbo, emphasized the need for mindful food choices to lead a healthy life.
The fair also featured a roundtable discussion that brought together experts in the field, including a former president of the Angolan Association of Nutritionists, fostering an enriching debate on the challenges and opportunities of the profession in the Angolan context.
In addition to the academic content, the initiative had a strong social and practical focus. Participants benefited from hands-on workshops, free nutritional assessments, and acts of solidarity, such as the distribution of soup. The atmosphere of sharing was enhanced by opportunities for socializing, including a coffee break that encouraged networking among students, faculty, and professionals.
The event had an overwhelmingly positive impact, with participants reporting high levels of satisfaction, a strong sense of belonging to the profession, and recognition of the practical value of the knowledge they gained.
The fair was part of the MAHINE project, funded by the European Union under the Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) program. Inspired by a highly nutritious traditional Angolan dish, MAHINE focuses on the use of digital technologies and innovative teaching methodologies to combat malnutrition and strengthen the training of nutritionists in Angola. The initiative brings together partners from Spain, Italy, and Angola, promoting an international and collaborative approach to addressing local challenges.
Through this initiative, UNIC reaffirms its role as an agent of social transformation, bringing scientific knowledge closer to the community and contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future.
