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 Mayo-Baléo, Cameroon, 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 Mayo-Baléo, Cameroon, provided one of them.
Mayo-Baléo, Cameroon
In Mayo-Baléo, a commune in the Adamawa Region of Cameroon, local residents do not have access to information and communication technology (ICT), telephone networks or radio.
The local government therefore teamed up with Equipes Mobiles d’Animation Populaire Urbaine et Rurale (Mobile Urban and Rural Popular Animation Team, EMAPUR), a local support network that promotes socio-economic integration and community education, to disseminate information about COVID-19.
The local government therefore teamed up with Equipes Mobiles d’Animation Populaire Urbaine et Rurale (Mobile Urban and Rural Popular Animation Team, EMAPUR), a local support network that promotes socio-economic integration and community education, to disseminate information about COVID-19.
Raising awareness of COVID-19
The aim of the initiative was to raise awareness about the dangers of the virus, with a focus on preventative measures, spotting symptoms of the illness, and knowing what to do if you suspect you might be infected.
The initiative was planned in partnership with various stakeholders: regional teams coordinated by the local sub-prefect and mayor were sent out into the community to disseminate information.
The initiative was planned in partnership with various stakeholders: regional teams coordinated by the local sub-prefect and mayor were sent out into the community to disseminate information.
Community participation
An estimated 300 residents per km²
were given advice on the virus, including possible impacts on health and livelihoods. Though not formally indicated, this strategy is in line with Mayo-Baléo’s ongoing efforts to foster an environment that allows for both individual and community-level participation in the general development of the commune.
Distributing hygiene products
The availability of adequate health and sanitation services and facilities was a prominent feature of this overarching government-driven process. Hygiene products, such as soap, hand sanitizer and protective masks were therefore distributed to all schools, marketplaces, health centres and to vulnerable communities (e.g. older people and those with disabilities) as part of the initiative.
Challenges: remote villages
Within this localized initiative, the main challenge was reaching out to every person in the commune. Forty villages comprise the Mayo-Baléo territory, some of which are difficult to access because of their remoteness, poor road conditions or the dangers of flooding.
Additionally, there were the constraints imposed by COVID-19: since large gatherings can worsen the situation, teams had to be kept small to avoid the possibilty of spreading the virus. This, in turn, meant there were fewer people working within the communities.
Additionally, there were the constraints imposed by COVID-19: since large gatherings can worsen the situation, teams had to be kept small to avoid the possibilty of spreading the virus. This, in turn, meant there were fewer people working within the communities.
Challenges: Time
Time was a third, interconnected, challenge. Taking into account social-distancing regulations, door-to-door visits – though time-consuming – were favoured.
Nevertheless, the awareness campaign managed to educate the population of Mayo-Baléo about the virus, despite poor local communication networks.
Nevertheless, the awareness campaign managed to educate the population of Mayo-Baléo about the virus, despite poor local communication networks.
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.
http://uil.unesco.org/learning-cities/become-member
Photos courtesy of © City of Mayo-Baléo, Cameroon; Canva Images
http://uil.unesco.org/learning-cities/become-member
Photos courtesy of © City of Mayo-Baléo, Cameroon; Canva Images
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UNESCO learning cities' responses to COVID-19
Mayo-Baléo, Cameroon
Raising awareness of COVID-19
Community participation
Distributing hygiene products
Challenges: remote villages
Challenges: Time
Learn more!
UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities