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On the Way to and from School (OWS)

Active mobility interventions for the promotion of physical activity and mental well-being in adolescents in Bogotá, Colombia and Maputo, Mozambique.

Group of students and teachers smiling at the camera with hands outstretched

4 January 2023

Overview

OWS graphic
On the Way to School (OWS) is a three-year implementation research project that aims to assess the effects of active mobility to and from school interventions (AMTS) on promoting healthy lifestyle practices and mental well-being among secondary school adolescents aged 10 to 16. The project aims to reduce the risks of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by promoting regular walking and cycling to and from school. The project takes a life course approach to implementation research, emphasising diversity, inclusive stakeholder participation, and health equity. Such an approach will be instrumental in highlighting the health impact of active mobility policies targeting this critical life stage in different urban contexts in low and middle-income countries.


This research project is funded by the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD) and the UK's Medical Research Council (MRC). Additionally, the research team is composed of higher education institutions from Colombia, Mozambique, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as non-governmental organisations that focus on implementing and coordinating community projects.

Project Outline

OWS will explore the links between active mobility, healthy lifestyle practices, and well-being in underserved adolescent communities from transdisciplinary, intersectional, and distributional perspectives, emphasising diversity and inclusive stakeholder participation.

The project’s comprehensive approach is evident in its focus on two case studies in different global regions (Africa and Latin America). This strategic choice allows us to understand the complexities and opportunities of implementing active mobility interventions in diverse urban contexts in low and middle-income countries. The study includes two case studies in Maputo, Mozambique and Bogotá, Colombia, with a specific aim to explore the feasibility of pilot interventions in disadvantaged urban communities in Maputo, Mozambique. 

More information about the programmes: 

Ciempiés Caminos Seguros
“Ciempiés Caminos Seguros” (CCS): Launched in April 2018, CCS is an active mobility programme aimed at children from the age of 5. Based on games and gamification, it encourages safer journeys to school through a structured route and educational activities.

Al Colegio en Bici
“Al Colegio en Bici” (ACB): Launched in September 2013, ACB promotes sustainable modes of transport in public schools. Participants travel by bicycle with the support of guides, learning active mobility habits and responsible bicycle use.  
Research aims

The research aims to establish equitable collaborations across sectors and promote an international dialogue for reducing NCD risks through active mobility interventions. The project is structured into four work packages that will be implemented throughout the project's duration. First, the project will meticulously assess specific implementation outcomes of two existing AMTS interventions in Bogotá, Colombia. Second, innovative citizen science methods will be employed to assess the impact of cycling and walking interventions on physical activity and mental well-being outcomes. Third, the project will rigorously test the feasibility of piloting a similar active mobility intervention among adolescents in disadvantaged urban communities in low-income and low-resource contexts in Maputo, Mozambique. 

One of the key aspects of the project is the fair collaboration that is based on knowledge exchange. We will focus on SOUTH-to-SOUTH knowledge transfer in which both contexts will support each other. This will allow us to place Bogotá and Maputo at the heart of the research process.

On the Way to and from School project Work Project plan
Transfer of Knowledge
  • WP1 - Examining the Implementation of two AMTS interventions in Bogotá, Columbia
  • WP2 - Assessing Health and Equilty of AMTS Interventions
  • WP 3 - Piloting AMTS Interventions for Healthy Lifestyle Practices and Mental Well-being in Maputo, Mozambique
Project team

In addition, the research team comprises higher education institutions in Colombia, Mozambique, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as non-governmental organisations that focus on the implementation and coordination of community-based projects. The project is led by Dr Daniel Oviedo, Associate Professor at the Bartlett Development Planning Unit (DPU) at University College London (UCL) and includes collaborators from ten international institutions. 

Lead Investigators comprise co-investigators, co-leads, and guides across the four core work packages. Associated Investigators comprise other research team members and will support the development of all four work packages. Three dedicated Boards will oversee the project’s progress through three different lenses. These boards will include diverse international members from academic, non-governmental, and public sectors, students and program beneficiaries, and a group of experts in Mozambique.

For more information on the members of the project, please visit the project website, or visit the following links: 

Timeline

On the Way to and from School project timeline

July 2023 – Official start of the project

September 11-14 2023 – Inception Meeting in London, United Kingdom

December 2023 – Signing of the Collaboration Agreement between all parties involved

Fieldwork in Bogotá, Colombia:

  • March 2024 to June 2024: Baseline data collection of CCS and ACB interventions
  • March 2024 to May 2024: Our Voice data collection of CCS and ACB interventions
  • April 2024 to September 2024: Stakeholder interviews
  • August 2024 to October 2024: Follow-up data collection of all components
  • October 2024: End of data collection process in Bogotá, Colombia

Ethics Committees Applications:

  • UCL Ethics Committee (High-Risk Application) | Pending approval 24 April 2024
  • DPU Department Ethics Committee (Low-Risk Application) | Approved January 2024
  • Universidad de los Andes Ethics Committee | WP1 Approved August 2023 and WP2 Approved January 2024
  • Health District Secretariat in Bogotá, Colombia | WP1 and WP2 applying in May 2024
  • Health District Council in Maputo, Mozambique | WP3 applying in the second semester of 2024

Pilot Intervention in Maputo, Mozambique:

  • First semester 2025: Expected design of the pilot interventions and assessment of the baseline in Maputo, Mozambique
  • Second trimester 2025: Expected implementation of the pilot interventions in Maputo, Mozambique

June 2026 – End of the project

Additional resources

Do you want to know more about us and the importance of active mobility intervention across geographies? 

Check out our Vimeo for full access to past events. You can find recordings of our project showcases and discussions on active mobility interventions in different geographies. 

Picture: Juan David Cortes – Colegio de la Bici – International Dialogue Week from the 29th of April to the 3rd of May 2024. 

Picture: Juan David Cortes – Colegio de la Bici – International Dialogue Week from the 29th of April to the 3rd of May 2024.

Picture: Juan David Cortes – Colegio de la Bici – International Dialogue Week from the 29th of April to the 3rd of May 2024.

Picture: Maria Cubillos – Universidad de los Andes – International Dialogue Week from the 29th of April to the 3rd of May 2024. 

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