LEARNING ABOUT LIVING
2007, ongoing, Global
An e-learning environment on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights for Nigerian youth.
Original concept: Butterfly Works for Federal Ministries of Education and Health, Nigeria
In cooperation with: Oneworld UK
Based on the `Family Life and HIV/AIDS Education (FLHE) curriculum, developed by the Nigerian Ministries of Health and Education, Butterfly Works developed the software program `Learning about Living -LaL`.
Learning about Living is an interactive translation of the Nigerian national curriculum on HIV/Aids prevention and life skills. Recently, Learning about Living was adapted for the Islamic North of Nigeria. The program is accompanied by a teacher’s DVD on how to run the program as well as by a SMS question and answer hotline. The program is currently implemented in schools and youth centers in Lagos State, Abuja and FCT, Calabar and recently in Bauchi state.
The added feature of the program, developed by the UK based NGO One World, is a mobile phone service enabling young people to text questions or use a hotline for personal help (free of charge) and create an interactive learning environment. The number of sms’s received form young people exceeded all expectations averaging 50.000 a month.
The first independent external evaluation of LaL was conducted in October 2008 and reported that major achievements have been made in all of the core project components.
LaL in Mexico and Senegal
Interest in the concept of Learning about Living has led to the possibility of extending and replicating the program in other countries. In particular, Oxfam Novib is studying the possibilities for Senegal, whereas the MacArthur Foundation has agreed to support feasibility and planning project to adapt LaL for Mexico City.
