The statistics are relentless: early pregnancies, gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS, malnutrition—these are just some of the challenges that hinder the education and well-being of millions of children and adolescents every year. Schools, which should be safe havens, sometimes become arenas where inequalities and violence unfold. But schools can also be where change begins.
It is with immense sadness that we learned of the passing of Patrick Alain Fouda Atangana, a young man whose dedication, passion, and determination have left an indelible mark on generations. Patrick was not just a leader; he was a visionary and an inspiration to all who believed in a future where every adolescent and young person could grow up healthy, educated, and thriving.
From October 8 to 12, 2024, UNESCO, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Development of Mali, organized a training workshop in Fana to strengthen the capacities of 30 young members of civil society organizations (CSOs) in reproductive health, communication, and advocacy.
A Critical Challenge for Youth Health in Mali
While all adolescents and young people need life-saving skills to prevent and respond to issues such as gender-based violence, unintended pregnancy or HIV, this is all the more true for those in emergency situations, when risks increase significantly.
As part of its work on education in emergencies, UNESCO launched on 10 October a series of webinars aimed at building capacity and fostering knowledge exchange on the critical topic of ‘Education for health and well-being in emergencies.’
On 11 October 2024, the International Day of the Girl Child will be celebrated under the theme ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future’. This theme expresses the urgency to act on the challenges girls face while highlighting the enduring hope they embody through their voices.
The 2024 International Day of the Girl theme is ‘Girls’ vision for the future’.
This year’s theme conveys both the need for urgent action and persistent hope, driven by the power of girls’ voices and vision for the future.
Today’s generation of girls is disproportionately affected by global crises of climate, conflict, poverty and pushback on hard won gains for human rights and gender equality. Too many girls are still denied their rights, restricting their choices and limiting their futures.
📢 "I needed so much more. I needed help... When you have the right information, you make the right choices, and you can have a better life" - Samira shares her true life story to prevent sexual abuse.
In West and Central Africa 🌍, early and unintended pregnancies = major cause of school dropout. 📢"Education starts from the youngest age. If it's taboo at home, it's the school that must offer answers." - Today, Marie helps adolescent girls from her community access the health information and services they need.