The Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), The Maldives National University (MNU), participated in Varaa Expo 2025 from 6 to 8 November, promoting physical activity and health awareness while providing students with opportunities to apply their learning in a community setting.

The three-day initiative involved three FHS staff members and 20 MNU students, who engaged approximately 50 members of the public through fitness assessments, physical activity awareness and information on health professions education.

As part of the community outreach, the FHS team conducted a range of physical fitness assessments, including step tests, push-up tests, and chair and floor sit-to-stand assessments. These activities provided participants with an opportunity to engage with practical measures of physical fitness while facilitating conversations about the importance of regular physical activity and healthy lifestyles.

The expo also served as an experiential learning opportunity for participating students. By assisting with fitness assessments and communicating health information to members of the public, students were able to practise professional communication, public engagement and the application of health sciences knowledge outside the classroom. Such experiences complement academic learning by exposing students to direct interaction with individuals from the wider community.

In addition to health promotion activities, FHS provided information on its Speech-Language Pathology and Occupational Therapy programmes. This introduced visitors to these rehabilitation-focused professions and increased awareness of educational pathways available at MNU for those interested in pursuing careers in the health sector.

Participation in Varaa Expo also provided FHS with a platform to connect university-based health education with community health promotion. By combining student learning with public-facing activities, the initiative demonstrated how health sciences education can extend beyond the classroom and contribute to greater community awareness of physical activity, healthy lifestyles and health professions.

The initiative contributes to **Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being** through physical activity promotion and community health education, and **SDG 4: Quality Education** through experiential learning opportunities that enable students to apply their knowledge and develop professional skills in a community setting.