UNESCO learning cities' responses to COVID-19
When the COVID-19 global pandemic hit in 2020, governments around the world temporarily closed educational institutions in an attempt to contain the spread of the virus. But how did learning continue for young and old during this time?
The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) called on its network of 229 UNESCO learning cities to provide insights into their particular handling of the situation. During a UIL webinar series in 2020, they jointly developed strategies and exchanged information about good practices to ensure that learning did not stop.
In our new publication Snapshots of learning cities’ responses to COVID-19, we showcase local responses to COVID-19. The UNESCO learning city of Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran, provided one of them.
The UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) called on its network of 229 UNESCO learning cities to provide insights into their particular handling of the situation. During a UIL webinar series in 2020, they jointly developed strategies and exchanged information about good practices to ensure that learning did not stop.
In our new publication Snapshots of learning cities’ responses to COVID-19, we showcase local responses to COVID-19. The UNESCO learning city of Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran, provided one of them.
Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
The TV programme Every Home, A Health Base is an initiative comprising various health-related educational content, as well as programmes designed to promote a sense of community among the people of Kashan.
Every Home, A Health Base
With the advent of COVID-19, Every Home, A Health Base was broadcast daily and played a significant role in raising public awareness and fostering higher standards of hygiene. It was a positive collaborative venture between the local education and health departments, which aimed to increase citizens’ knowledge about COVID-19, including how to help sick relatives.
Ms Ferestheh NouriMunicipality of Kashan, Department of International Affairs
A collaborative effort
Institutions, including the Kashan University of Medical Sciences, communication and public-relations specialists, the media, social activists, and religious and cultural experts, worked together to bring the project to fruition. Their efforts were promoted through other media, including advertisements, posters and social media.
Raising awareness
In their efforts to tackle the pandemic, local authorities looked to the programme as a platform for promoting measures to break the chain of illness, raise awareness and improve life expectancy. Importantly, citizens also contributed to the programme by sending in suggestions, ideas, video clips and educational content.
Challenges: Production and broadcasting
There were some difficulties due to limitations related to the production and broadcast of the programme from provincial channels. These issues were compounded by the very demanding nightly schedule that was in place, in addition to the general context of operating during what was essentially a peak moment in the fight against COVID-19.
Further, there were challenges with broadcasting the programme live from an open location due to seasonal inclement weather.
Further, there were challenges with broadcasting the programme live from an open location due to seasonal inclement weather.
Learn more!
Find more cases in our publication Snapshots of learning cities’ responses to COVID-19
UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities
The UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities (GNLC) supports and improves the practice of lifelong learning in member cities by promoting policy dialogue and peer learning, documenting effective strategies and good practice, fostering partnerships, providing capacity development, and developing tools and instruments to design, implement and monitor learning cities strategies.
Become a member!
Photos courtesy of © Getty Images / Ozbalci; Getty Images / fotokon; Getty Images / FS-Stock; Getty Images / zorantemelkov; Getty Images / Devonyu; Getty Images / olexa_
Become a member!
Photos courtesy of © Getty Images / Ozbalci; Getty Images / fotokon; Getty Images / FS-Stock; Getty Images / zorantemelkov; Getty Images / Devonyu; Getty Images / olexa_
Scroll down to continue
Swipe to continue
Swipe to continue
UNESCO learning cities' responses to COVID-19
Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
Every Home, A Health Base
Ms Ferestheh Nouri
A collaborative effort
Raising awareness
Challenges: Production and broadcasting
Learn more!
UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities