Learning for Lasting Peace

On the occasion of the United Nations, UNESCO International Day of Education, I am reflecting on how the foundation of a more peaceful, just, and sustainable society is laid through education, a force which permeates every facet of daily life and opportunity.

As climate change, democratic erosion, persistent inequalities and conflict escalate on a global scale, education emerges as a powerful tool to both address these pressing issues and prevent these challenges in the future, as when education is effectively shaped and implemented, it becomes a long-term investment with increasing returns. Therefore, it is imperative to actively reaffirm the Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s dedication to the cause of peace throughout Nigeria and Africa, emphasising the pivotal role that education plays in this pursuit.

Learning for peace is a transformative process, and through The Wellbeing Foundation Africa’s Adolescent Skills and Drills Personal Social Health Education-PSHE, WASH Programming which takes place not only in schools but also throughout communities, as according to UNICEF one in every five of the world’s out-of-school children is in Nigeria, WBFA enables learners to gain essential knowledge, values, attitudes, skills, and behaviours, thereby empowering them to serve as catalysts and advocates for peace, health and wellbeing in their schools, homes and communities.

Today, The Wellbeing Foundation Africa commemorated #EducationDay at schools in Abuja FCT, Kwara and Lagos State, with a specific focus on educating adolescents and teachers to prevent gender-based violence and build social cohesion to combat dropout rates, and absenteeism in schools.

While I was First Lady of Kwara State, the Education Sector Support Programme began in 2008, a partnership between the United Kingdom’s Department for International Development and the Kwara State and Nigerian Government, to develop effective planning, financing and delivery systems to improve the quality of schools, teaching and learning, especially in delivering health education services. WBFA continues to utilise the statistics shared to track indicators, as ESSPIN embedded an integrated school improvement programme at scale, building the capacity of state and district staff, teachers, and school-based management committee members to improve education in primary schools across Kwara State.

Successfully contributing to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals 3, 4, 5, and 6, and the UNESCO Recommendation on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Sustainable Development, and the report of the International Commission on the Futures of Education, the integration of PSHE is instrumental in creating a generation of well-informed and responsible global citizens, especially in the face of uncertainties.

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