Recognizing the urgent need for life-saving skills among adolescents and young people, especially in emergencies, UNESCO has initiated a series of webinars focused on "Education for Health and Well-being in Emergencies." Launched on October 10, these webinars aim to enhance capacity and facilitate knowledge exchange on this crucial topic.
The first session brought together participants from 14 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, allowing national education experts to delve into the global frameworks guiding education during crises. Organized under the Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future (O3) programme, discussions centered on how health and well-being education can be tailored to emergency contexts, ensuring access to comprehensive education and information programs. Participants shared their experiences, highlighting both the challenges and successes in incorporating Education in Emergencies (EiE) frameworks into their national education systems.
EiE is essential for providing quality learning opportunities to individuals affected by conflicts, natural disasters, and public health emergencies. UNESCO emphasized that it is not only about maintaining access to education but also about safeguarding children and youth in perilous environments by offering essential support that can enhance resilience in communities.
Grounded in global standards, such as the INEE Minimum Standards for Preparedness, Response, and Recovery, EiE aims to guarantee that every child has access to safe and continuous education, even in the most difficult circumstances. Key components for achieving this include creating safe learning spaces, offering psychosocial support, and involving parents and communities.
During the webinar, UNESCO presented the second phase of its O3 programme, which focuses on reducing HIV infections, early pregnancies, gender-based violence, and child marriages, while promoting higher school enrollment and retention rates across sub-Saharan Africa. The programme also aims to equip young people with the knowledge to make informed decisions regarding their health and relationships, emphasizing the need for teacher training and digital tools, while ensuring accessibility for all youth, including those in crisis situations.
Participants from countries like Malawi, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, and South Sudan discussed the impacts of ongoing crises on their education systems. They noted that significant population displacements due to conflict and other emergencies have led to school closures and relocations. Reports indicate that over 7.5 million people are displaced across six West and Central African countries, with approximately 80 percent being women and children, many of whom lack access to essential educational resources.
Governments are implementing alternative solutions such as community-based education, distance learning, and catch-up programs to ensure displaced populations can continue their education. The discussions highlighted the necessity of addressing health and well-being within the education sector during emergencies, focusing on mental health support, healthcare access for students and teachers, and protection from violence. While some countries shared effective practices, challenges like resource shortages and inter-ministerial coordination in crisis-affected areas persist.
This inaugural webinar sets the foundation for continued dialogue and collaboration, with participants eager for the next session, which will explore practical strategies to strengthen education systems in emergency contexts. The overarching goal remains clear: to unite efforts and protect the future of education for all, even in the most challenging situations.
