Partners validated the Education for Health and Well-being Communication and Advocacy Strategy for Ethiopia
On 3 November 2020, a validation workshop for the communication and advocacy strategy for Education for Health and Well-being (EHW) was held at the Skylight Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia with 20 participants from 14 organizations. The communication and advocacy strategy is developed to support the implementation and achievement of Education for Health and Well-being. It is believed that a clear and concise communication and advocacy strategy is necessary to clarify misperceptions and misunderstandings that could be a bottleneck towards the effective implementation of Education for Health and Well-being.
This strategy is built on the partnership between UNESCO and the David Lucile Packard Foundation, who have been working together with an aim to deal with the Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) challenges of the adolescents and youth in Ethiopia since 2014. UNESCO together with the Education for Health and Well-being Technical working Group that is comprised of 19 organizations, including the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Health, has developed this communication and advocacy strategy for Education for Health and Well-being for Ethiopia.
Education for Health and Well-being takes into account the broader physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being needs of adolescents and youth in Ethiopia. It also addresses these needs and the limitations of previous programmes by tackling and operationalizing a broad list of topics under 4 pillars that take shape within the African region: 1) Life-Skills-Based Reproductive Health, 2) Safe and Inclusive Learning Environments, 3) Promoting a Healthy Lifestyle, and 4) Substance Use. EHW ensures the respect for religion, indigenous knowledge, and intergenerational learning that are fundamental to fulfilling the vision of Education. The contents and language used in the newly developed EHW framework and guidance for Ethiopia directly reflect these values and principles.
The strategy aims to guide the communication and advocacy activities of stakeholders and partners to ensure the adolescents and youth of Ethiopia have the health and well-being information and skills they need to live healthy and fulfilling lives. It is expected to support the implementation, curriculum integration and promotion of Education for Health and Well-being, which would be a new approach for Ethiopia.
UNESCO Education for health and well-being: https://en.unesco.org/themes/health-education
UNESCO Strategy on Education for Health and Well-being: Contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals: https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000246453
UNESCO Young People Today Initiative: https://www.youngpeopletoday.org/