Promoting harmonious education ecosystems in Gambia and Sierra Leone- community voices

• In Event: Holistic approaches to enabling learning environments in Africa: elevating the voices of children, youth and local stakeholders

Proposal

Violence in and around schools (VIAS) is widespread globally, with sub-Saharan Africa having some of (the highest prevalence rates (Wodon et al. 2021). The COVID-19 pandemic likely exacerbated some of the factors that lead to violence at home and in the community, which in turn reinforces violence at schools and feeds into a self-producing cycle of violence. As a high percentage of teachers lack the minimum required qualifications and training, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa (1 in 3) (UNESCO 2021), they are often ill-equipped to manage large classrooms, use alternative methods to corporal punishment, and address peer to peer violence. School closures highlighted the need for teachers and caregivers to form collaborative relationships and to equip caregivers with the skills to support their children’s education to promote enabling learning ecosystems at home and at school.
This panel presentation will share preliminary qualitative research findings from implementation of program in Gambia and Sierra Leone focused on education for protection and wellbeing. We use a holistic approach to foster safe and supportive learning environments for children ages six to twelve through the positive development of children’s behavioural patterns, social emotional learning (SEL) and self-protection skills, and a cognitive-behavioural skills training component for teachers and caregivers, developed by clinical psychologists and prevention scientists. The program also places a specific emphasis on enhancing the relationships between caregivers, teachers, and children.
The panelist will highlight the voices of caregivers, children, and educators participating in the program in rural villages and share strategies used for greater sustainability, which have contributed to higher school attendance rates for rural children and increased parental engagement. Finally, the panelist will discuss the challenges of culturally contextualizing the program while maintaining fidelity to the intervention.

Author

• Bando Marah, ChildFund International