Educación gastronómica a niños y niñas de 10 a 12 años enfocada en la soberanía alimentaria ecuatoriana. Caso: Unidad Educativa Carlos Crespi II

Abstract

Food in the educational units of Cuenca is an issue of great relevance since it directly affects the physical, mental and academic well-being of students. In addition, it plays a fundamental role in the integral development of children and adolescents, having an important impact on their growth and educational performance. The present study aims to investigate and work with children from 10 to 12 years of age from the Carlos Crespi II Private Educational Unit, since they make up the ideal age range for the joint exploration of learning and gastronomic applications. On the other hand, exposure to this field such as gastronomy, encourages the development of creativity and understanding of food sovereignty. The fundamental purpose of this study focused on providing education to children from 10 to 12 years old on issues of food recognition, cooking, modes of consumption and valorization of Ecuadorian products as a basis. The first phase of this project involved an exhaustive review of bibliographic sources related to the development of the topic. Subsequently, questionnaires were applied as an induction to the program, and recreational activities were carried out to know the perceptions of children in this age range in terms of food. In the second phase, it included a practical work aimed at children in gastronomic activities based on Ecuadorian food sovereignty, considering the objectives of this research. Finally, the results of the field activities were evaluated and analyzed in order to present a report aimed at proposing a model of gastronomic education program, promoting better nutrition of the children in the first instance of the Educational Unit of case and for the chosen age range and, secondly, serve as an example for the other educational units.