From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
In line with its vision to empower Adolescents and Young People (AYP), the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), in alliance with Hope for Communities and Children (H4CC) is to train 1,111 teachers in preparation for the UNESCO 03 Education, Health and Well-being (EHW) program in Kaduna State.
The Team Leader of H4CC, Hajiya Hadiza Umar said this during a meeting with Stakeholders on the UNESCO 03 Education, Health and Well-being (EHW) Programme held in Kaduna today (Friday).
According to her, the programme under the UNESCO 03 Education, Health and Well-being (EHW) is aimed at building agencies while developing the skills, knowledge, attitudes, and competencies required for preventing HIV, reducing early and unintended pregnancies (EUPs), and eliminating Gender-Based Violence (GBV.)
She stressed that the program is in line with the commitment of the Ministers of Education and Health of West Africa and Central Africa (WCA) for thriving educated and healthy adolescents and young people.
The H4CC Team Leader disclosed that the decision to train the teachers is based on the commitments made in the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular, those relating to health and well-being, education, and gender equality.
“The involvement of all stakeholders and sustainable community engagement with the health system will be strengthened while ensuring synergy of action between different sectors (e.g. education, health, family, women, finance, social action, child protection, communication, justice, and youth.)
Speaking about UNESCO O3 Phase 2 tagged “Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future (O3)” she said the project has been implemented across 33 countries since 2018, building on an earlier program that ran from 2013 to 2017.
The Executive Director stressed that the program gears towards supporting the delivery of good quality education for health and well-being to empower Adolescents and Young People (AYP) and building agency while developing the skills, knowledge, attitudes, and competencies required for preventing HIV, reducing early and unintended pregnancies (EUPs), and eliminating Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Hajiya Umar highlighted targets adopted by the Member States, which include: Integrated and inclusive policies and programs that protect the health and education rights of all adolescent girls and boys, and young women and men, and that integrate comprehensive education and information programs as well as SRH services for young people in and out of school are implemented.
“Trained teachers and trainers implement comprehensive education and information programs in 50% of schools and 100% of teacher training colleges. Trained health-care providers provide adolescent- and youth-friendly SRH services, including family planning and information and education, in 75% of health facilities.
“Evidence-based multi-sectoral policies and strategies are in place and implemented with the involvement of adolescents and young people, to address GBV, including in schools and humanitarian contexts. 100% of countries increase domestic resources for the implementation of inclusive SRH education and information programs and services for in and out-of-school young people.
“The member states also commit themselves to the following by 2032 Gender disparities in education are reduced by 50% in basic and secondary education. Early and unintended pregnancies are reduced by 50%. GBV and harmful practices, including early, child, and forced marriage, and FGM, are eliminated. New HIV infections among adolescents and young people aged 10-24 are eliminated.”
She added that the UNESCO O3 phase 2 projects will span from June 2023 till July 2027 reaching LGAs in Kaduna like Sabon Gari, Kachia, Igabi, Chikun community, and Kaduna North with the vision and goal to ensure that children, adolescents, and young people are healthy, educated to thrive and reach their full potential to contribute to the development of the community, country, and region.
“The objectives of Phase 2, O3 Programme include supporting an enabling policy and institutional environment for implementation of high health programs that include EHW and prevention of school violence.
“Support Kaduna State to scale up and strengthen the delivery of accurate, rights-based, gender transformative, and good quality teaching and learning on EHW and school violence prevention. Empower AYP and respect their right to make decisions and drive change in their lives and communities using digital innovations.
“Promote the creation of safer, inclusive school and community environments with linkages to accessible, youth-friendly Dry services. Strengthen program implementation through evidence generated from monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning.
Speaking earlier, the Director of Social Mobilization of Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (KADSUBEB) Mr Kabir Lawal applauded UNESCO and H4CC for their decision to hold the Program in Kaduna State.
He also pledged the support of the State government and other stakeholders present for the success of Phase 2, noting that it will address all issues not settled in Phase 1 implementation.
