The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recently released the 2012 Education For All Global Monitoring Report examining how skills development programmes can be improved to boost young people’s opportunities for decent jobs and better lives. UNESCO included Grassroot Soccer as an example of an effective program addressing the HIV and AIDS epidemic.
The report includes a focus section on life skills education as a response to HIV and AIDS, wherein GRS is cited for our graduates’ improved knowledge about HIV. The report concludes: “Life skills programmes that focus on young people are a vital component of a comprehensive HIV prevention response. Adequate support and training for teachers and facilitators are crucial. Life skills programmes outside formal education, particularly involving youth as facilitators and mentors, can complement school-based approaches and broaden coverage to reach young people who are most at risk.”
UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to the building of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. The Education for All (EFA) movement is a global commitment to provide quality basic education for all children, youth and adults. Governments, development agencies, civil society and the private sector are working together to reach the EFA goals.
You can access the report here. Grassroot Soccer is featured on page 88.