UNESCO Delhi has recently released a comic book “Let’s Move Forward” to spread awareness about several taboos and shatter stereotypes among schoolchildren. The book launched in association with the NCERT and the Union Ministry of Education talks about topics such as boys can cook and help their mothers in the kitchen, while girls can play cricket. It also talks about transgenders and that they deserve equal respect in society, reported the Indian Express.
The 32-page comic book covers eleven themes which include good health, emotional well-being, and mental health, interpersonal relationships and values, gender equality, health and sanitation, prevention and management of substance abuse, reproductive health and HIV prevention, menstrual hygiene, safety and security against sexual violence, internet safety, and responsible social media behaviour.
Currently available on the official website of the Ministry of Education, the comic book also guides students to not fall for misleading advertisements about beauty products and bodybuilding supplements.
Eric Falt, director, and representative, of UNESCO to India, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka, said that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development states that quality education along with health and well-being, gender equality, and human rights are “intrinsically intertwined.” He also added that “NCERT took the lead in developing the School Health Programme curriculum and resource materials on the health and well-being of adolescents in partnership with UN agencies and other partners. The essence of joyful learning comes through this comic book which aims at enhancing knowledge and awareness of adolescents.”
Union Minister for Education, Dharmendra Pradhan told the news daily, “Good health is a pre-requisite for national development. Therefore, the health and well-being of adolescents is the topmost priority in nation-building efforts. Education and health are inextricably linked and schools are ideal setting for both health education and health promotion initiatives. They need to be addressed in school curriculum and pedagogy.”
Furthermore, the comic book also has some valuable lessons for school heads and management. It states that schools must have wheelchair-accessible ramps and other facilities for children with disabilities. “It is important to be sensitive to others around us. We can play an important role in supporting children with disabilities by understanding their needs and making them feel inclusive,” the comic book read.
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