Temari Translanguaging Project

The Temari project, conducted in partnership with Professor Karen Wells of the University of London (Birkbeck) and Professor Getnet Tadele of University of Addis Ababa, entailed a two-year ethnographic study designing new pedagogical tools based on translanguaging principles, and using them in some of Partners’ grade 7 classrooms.

The outcome of the project indicated that students enrolled in the program had a 5.1 times greater chance of achieving a passing grade than those not in it. It is hoped that this result will ultimately impact educational policy and practice in the region .

Social Sciences for Severe Stigmatizing Skin Diseases (5S-Foundation) Ethiopia (5S Ethiopia)

Launched in January 2023, the 5S project is technically and financial supported by the Department of Global Health and Infection at Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) and the Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA) in Ethiopia. The project’s primary objective is to improve the health and wellbeing of target school students, staff and members of the nearby communities through the following strategies:

·       Increasing their awareness on the prevention of the two stigmatizing skin conditions: Podoconiosis (podo) and scabies

·       Promoting treatment and other support seeking behaviors among those living with skin conditions and their family members

·       Reducing stigma and neglect associated with these two skin conditions 

The project has been implemented in 5 of our intervention schools and surrounding communities found in East Gojjam ( Debre Work Primary, Debre Work Ayer Tena High Schools, and Debre Work community) and Awi ( Dr. Getnet Primary and Prof. Getnet High Schools, and Azena community, and Gimjabet High School and Gimjabet community) Zones. The target population is estimated to be 101,540 individuals, including 54,275 females and 5,510 students, living in the above communities identified by 5S’ research as having a high prevalence of podo and scabies.

It is being implemented in collaboration with the target schools, district education and health offices and nearby health facilities, and is integrated with our school-based eye health and water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH) programs. 

The project employs various edutainment activities organized by student ambassadors, supported by their teachers, our staff and 5S experts. Key messages are disseminated through brochures and billboards prepared in local languages, as well as by students and trained community health workers (CHWs) during flag ceremonies, Sunday masses, Friday prayers, and door-to-door visits.  

In line with our motto of using students as change agents, students have already played important roles in sharing prevention and health-seeking behavior messages with their illiterate family members and neighbours who cannot read or understand the brochures. They also have convinced individuals with scabies to seek treatment. CHWs have arranged free treatment at nearby health facilities for many people who live in congested situations, who are poor and lack access to sanitary facilities, including those attending traditional church schools and living on the streets.  In addition, the CHWs have mobilized support within communities for soap and other cleaning items needed by these individuals.