From Physical Activity to Eco-Friendly Actions: New Ways to Instil Healthy Living Culture in Children

Public awareness of the importance of maintaining physical and mental health has grown in recent years. However, a healthy lifestyle is not only about regular exercise, but also about building a positive social environment and concern for the planet’s sustainability. This spirit was the main message of the EST Fun Walk & Run 2026 organised by EcoSocioTech (EST) School. With the theme ‘Sustainable Future, Sustainable Living’, the event invited students, parents, teachers, and staff to celebrate active living while instilling values of social and environmental care. Participants could choose between a walk or run category, passing three main educational checkpoints along the route: Eco, Socio, and Tech. At each checkpoint, participants scanned a QR code containing messages about the importance of protecting the environment, strengthening care for others, and using technology wisely. Founder and CEO of EcoSocioTech School, Antarina S F Amir, stated the event was designed to build a healthy living culture involving the entire school community. ‘We hope the EST Fun Walk & Run 2026 becomes a starting point for various initiatives that strengthen collaboration between schools, families, and communities. Together, we can build an environment that supports the growth of a generation that is healthy, has character, cares for the environment, and is ready to face the future,’ she said in Jakarta on Sunday (21/6/2026). According to her, healthy living habits must be consistently formed from an early age. Therefore, the school focuses not only on academic aspects but also encourages students to understand the importance of balancing physical health, social well-being, and environmental sustainability. Antarina added that the activity is part of the transformation of Sekolah HighScope Indonesia into EcoSocioTech School, a strengthening of the educational vision to be more relevant to future challenges, including health, environmental, and technological issues. The event also promoted eco-friendly principles, with support from Balikin enabling the use of reusable cups to reduce single-use plastic waste. Through this approach, the event provided not only health benefits but also a practical learning space about sustainable lifestyles that can be applied in daily life. The atmosphere was enlivened by student band performances, interactive games, and a door prize draw, combining sports, education, and togetherness in a celebration of healthy living. Antarina added that simple steps such as walking, exercising with family, reducing plastic waste, and building environmental awareness can become an important foundation for creating a healthier and more sustainable future for the next generation.