Ferrero and Monash Strengthen Joy of Moving Partnership in Australia
Research supports mental health through movement for children worldwide
Ferrero Australia has renewed its long-standing partnership with Monash University to advance research into the impact of movement on children’s mental health and development.
The new agreement builds on an eight-year relationship, delivering local research and insights that equip educators and parents with tools to support children’s development.
Since beginning in Australia, the Joy of moving program has reached 3,586 students across 24 schools, including nine specialist schools, with 244 teachers involved in the delivery. Five research papers have been published, a Living Lab created, and an online platform developed to bring the program directly to teachers and students.
In this next phase of the partnership, the program will be fully integrated into the School of Psychological Sciences within the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash University as a strategic move to support the program’s enhanced focus on mental health. As the only local execution with a focus on the link between physical and mental health, this next phase of the Monash University research project is set to inform and make significant contributions to the global Ferrero program, ultimately impacting thousands of children participating in the program worldwide each year.
Creator of the Joy of moving program, Professor Caterina Pesce, a leader in movement science based at the University of Rome, visited Australia to mark this important milestone and meet with researchers at Monash University to kick off the next phase. Professor Pesce will provide direction for future insights and the continuation of the research.
During her visit, Professor Pesce and Monash researchers spoke at an event hosted by the Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighting the Joy of moving partnership to date, and the importance of global/local partnerships to deliver positive social impact. The event, attended by the Italian Consul General and key stakeholders across education, sport, and industry, focused on the history and evolution of the research, and how it has benefited communities worldwide.
Derek Lath, Institutional Affairs Director at Ferrero Australia also spoke about the importance of corporate philanthropy and benefits of fostering global connections to bring global expertise and best practice to local programs.
“We are proud to continue this important work with Monash University on the connection between mental and physical health. We’re also proud of the important role being played here in Australia to better support the emotion and physical wellbeing of children participating in the Joy of moving program across the world,” said Lath.
The Joy of moving program is an innovative play-based methodology that was first created by Professor Caterina Pesce from the Foro Italico University in Rome. It aims to help children develop skills in four major areas including physical fitness, motor coordination, cognitive functions, and life skills.
Since its inception nearly 20 years ago, Ferrero’s Joy of moving program has positively impacted over 60 million children across 34 countries. This renewed partnership promises to deepen its focus on vital aspects of early childhood development.
