I-CAN (Indigenous Communities for Activity and Nutrition) is an eight-week program that gives students in remote and regional Australian primary schools access to fun, culturally safe, and educational health and fitness activities to promote healthy eating and school engagement.

Research shows children in regional and remote Australia attend school less frequently than those in major cities, with attendance rates dropping significantly in very remote communities. Regular school attendance is strongly linked to long-term education, health, and wellbeing outcomes, and I-CAN uses movement, health education, and positive reinforcement to encourage consistent school participation.

I-CAN is designed for all primary school students in regional and remote communities, with a strong focus on supporting First Nations children who are disproportionately affected by lower school attendance and health inequities.

I-CAN is delivered with the support of First Nations staff and leaders, often IMP Graduates and IMF RAW Run Leaders, working in partnership with schools and communities, IMP Graduates and IMF RAW Run Leaders. IMF is exploring engaging high school aged children and training them up to deliver aspects of the I-CAN program. This approach creates local jobs and supports community leaders, while keeping the program culturally relevant and led by the community.

There are opportunities to develop a school-based run club for high school students. Please get in touch to find out more about how IMF can support you in setting up an I-CAN run club. If there is a Primary school associated with the High School, there may be opportunities to train and engage students to deliver aspects of I-CAN.