UNESCO spotlights children’s health and well-being through primary education

A global study on school health and nutrition reported that school feeding programmes in lower middle-income countries reach only 45% of learners, and the proportion falls to 20% in low-income countries. Online, social media interaction at age 10 is associated with worsening socio-emotional difficulties with age among girls. And, only six countries in sub-Saharan Africa report policies on school safety and non-discrimination.

Children’s health and well-being are affected by a variety of factors, including the home context, peer violence or bullying, abuse, and a lack of nutrition and physical activity. Adding to this, puberty is occurring earlier than ever, and the use of technology is showing negative and long-lasting effects on young children. In this rapidly evolving world, the education of our children must evolve at the same pace.

Spotlighting children’s health and well-being in and through primary education, UNESCO is launching a new initiative entitled Building strong foundations. The cognitive, neurological, social and emotional as well as physical development potential of learners aged 5-12 represents a window of opportunity to champion every child’s health, education outcomes and in turn, their futures. 

Learning about health and well-being early on has demonstrated multi-faceted benefits for children, schools and societies. It builds foundations for healthier, safer and more informed transitions into adolescence and adulthood. It promotes taking care of one’s own health, and other people’s health, now and into the future – from better protection from violence to fostering healthy and respectful relationships, civic engagement, gender equality, and inclusive practices and behaviours. 

Supporting children’s healthy development and well-being not only enhances their ability to concentrate and retain knowledge but also promotes positive relationships with teachers and peers, leading to more enriching educational experiences.

To put the initiative into practice, UNESCO and UNICEF have co-published a set of technical briefs under the banner Building strong foundations to provide evidence-based guidance to ministries of education, curriculum developers, policy-makers, school management, educators and other stakeholders. The briefs will be launched at the symposium, followed by a technical meeting aimed to support eight ministries of education review their primary school curricula on health and well-being.

The initiative is being launched at an international symposium in Lusaka in the presence of Stefania Giannini, UNESCO Assistant-Director General for Education, Zambia’s Minister of Education, UNICEF’s Global Education Director, and many more. 

By reducing health-related barriers to learning, such as gender-based violence, bullying and discrimination, mental health concerns and malnutrition among others, UNESCO, together with governments and school systems, empowers learners to understand their rights, learn better and lead thriving lives. For healthy, happy and thriving learners.