A large-scale and ambitious program is being implemented in the Republic of Armenia to introduce the Healthy Lifestyle (HLS) course into the school curriculum. This important initiative is aimed at the comprehensive development of the personality of schoolchildren and the formation of solid knowledge, practical skills and values necessary for a healthy and responsible lifestyle.
The program is implemented in close cooperation and under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia and strives to not only convey health information to schoolchildren, but also to make them aware of the importance of taking care of themselves and their health and well-being throughout their lives. It has received wide support from leading international organizations such as the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP).
A key role in the successful implementation of this initiative is played by coaches (mentors), who train teachers in the methodology and content of the educational program on healthy lifestyle to ensure high quality of its teaching and the effective implementation of new approaches in the learning process.
Intensive Training for Coaches: Positive Changes in Health
At the end of August 2024, a 4-day training for healthy lifestyle coaches (mentors) was held in the capital of Armenia, Yerevan. This event became a key stage in preparation for the full-scale implementation of the Healthy Lifestyle course in all schools in the country. The training was attended by 81 mentors from all over Armenia, who were selected on a competitive basis from more than 500 candidates. The selection of participants was carried out taking into account their professional experience, motivation and willingness to contribute to the development of health education.
It is important to note that this is the second training for healthy lifestyle coaches held in Armenia. The first one took place in 2023 and was dedicated to coaches for the implementation of the Healthy Lifestyle course in 5th and 7th grades. More information about last year’s training can be found in the article «Development of personal potential of schoolchildren in Armenia: healthy lifestyle clubs are now mandatory for 5th and 7th grades».
Anna Barfyan, UNFPA Youth Programme Analyst in Armenia, in her speech at the opening of the training, emphasized the strategic importance of training mentors for the successful implementation of the Healthy Lifestyle course in all schools in the country:
«This year, the mentor training completes the preparatory work for conducting classes on the Healthy Lifestyle course in all schools in Armenia from 5th to 10th grades. As you know, last year – in accordance with the new general education standard – this course was introduced in 5th and 7th grades. And this academic year, it will be taught in 6th, 8th, 9th and 10th grades. Therefore, our mentors need to familiarize themselves with the teaching materials for these grades so that they can train teachers during the upcoming autumn school holidays».
The training program was carefully developed taking into account the specifics of the topics of the Healthy Lifestyle course and included both theoretical and practical classes. The training participants studied new manuals for teachers with plans for conducting classes on the course, familiarized themselves with practical tasks for students, additional information materials and recommendations for teachers. The mentors also received a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences and best practices in teaching a healthy lifestyle with colleagues from different regions of the country, which contributed to the formation of a professional community and strengthening interaction between teachers.
Focus on interactive teaching methods: towards active learning and the development of essential skills
This year, the mentor training focused on new teaching methods and interactive learning processes presented in the updated teacher guides. The organizers of the training proceeded from the understanding that the effectiveness of learning is significantly increased when students actively participate in the learning process, research, analyze, discuss and apply the acquired knowledge in practice right in the classroom. It is this approach that allows students to develop not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical skills necessary for a healthy lifestyle and making responsible decisions related to health and interpersonal relationships.
The mentors had the opportunity not only to learn about the new methods from the trainers, but also to try themselves out, simulating real learning situations. They taught lessons based on scenarios from the new manuals, using a variety of interactive methods, such as group work, role-playing games, discussions, project activities, and also applying various visualization methods and game techniques. After each lesson, a discussion was held, during which the trainers (national experts in healthy lifestyle education) and mentors analyzed successful aspects of the lesson and those points that required improvement. This approach allowed the mentors not only to master the new methods, but also to adapt them to their individual characteristics and the specifics of their work.
Ms. Torosyan, a Computer Science teacher at Vanadzor School #19, applied to join the mentor group after learning about the course:
«I am very excited about this opportunity because I believe that healthy lifestyle classes in schools are crucial. We strive to instill good values in children from a very early age, which will help them maintain their health and become a way of life. Prevention is much easier than fighting bad habits that have already formed».
Ashkhen Vaganyan, a mentor who teaches Biology and Natural Sciences, also shared her impressions of the training and particularly noted the effectiveness of the use of interactive teaching methods:
«The classes were very effective. We conduct the lessons ourselves and receive useful advice from our mentors. Over time, we have become very close to each other, almost like a big family, and were looking forward to this meeting, since we have not seen each other for a year. Our trainers are also wonderful professionals, and we are in touch with him when any questions occur».
She emphasized that interactive methods make lessons more interesting and engaging for students, and also promote deeper learning and the development of important skills such as critical thinking, communication and collaboration.
Working with teachers and parents: creating a unified educational space to promote a healthy lifestyle
During the mentor training, special attention was paid to preparing for interaction with teachers and parents. Mentors had to not only master the new program and methods of teaching it, but also learn how to transfer this knowledge to other teachers effectively, as well as communicate with the parents of their students, explaining to them the content and goals of the Healthy Lifestyle course.
Just at the time when parents become advocates of a healthy lifestyle themselves – a unified educational space is created, where teachers, parents and students work together to form a culture of health and maintain healthy interpersonal relationships.
The mentors learned various communication strategies, methods for conducting presentations and seminars for teachers, as well as ways to organize meetings and information events for parents. They mastered the skills of conducting constructive dialogue, taking into account different points of view and building trusting relationships with teachers and parents. The mentors also received recommendations on how to respond to questions effectively and concerns that teachers and parents may have in connection with the implementation of the new program.
Artavazd Abrahamyan, mentor and school director, shared his experience of interacting with teachers at his school during the implementation of the Healthy Lifestyle course:
«From the very beginning, we tried to help each other overcome stereotypes. I keep in touch with all the teachers who have completed the training, and we are happy to share the new skills we have acquired during this training».
He noted that it is important to create an atmosphere of mutual support and trust in the team so that teachers are not afraid to ask questions, share their concerns and jointly seek solutions to emerging problems. Mr. Abrahamyan emphasized the exceptional importance of the role of the school director in the process of implementing the new program. The director should not only support and encourage teachers, but also personally participate in the training and implementation of the course, demonstrating his interest and commitment to the ideas of a healthy lifestyle.
Susanna Yesayan, a mentor, shared her experience of overcoming the negative attitude towards the course from some teachers and parents:
«At first, it was difficult to work with teachers, as some of them doubted its usefulness. But thanks to joint efforts, this attitude changed. The manuals for teachers are incredibly useful: the topics are well selected, smoothly developed and presented in an accessible form».
Susanna Yesayan noted the importance of open dialogue with parents, demonstrating to them the practical benefits of the course and its positive impact on children’s development.
«It is important to explain to parents that the Healthy Lifestyle course not only gives children knowledge about health, but also develops important life skills that will help them make the right choices in various situations and lead a healthy and safe lifestyle».
The Importance of the Mentor Training Program: Investing in the Future of Our Children’s Health
The Mentor Training Program is a key element in the successful implementation of the Healthy Lifestyle course in Armenia. Thanks to high-quality training, mentors become not only experts in the field of healthy lifestyle, but also agents of change, able to effectively train teachers and facilitate the introduction of new approaches to teaching healthy lifestyle in all schools in the country. They play an important role in the formation of a unified educational space, where teachers, parents and students work together to achieve a common goal – the formation of a healthy and responsible generation.
Anahit Muradyan, Chief Specialist of the General Education Department of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, in her speech emphasized the strategic importance of training mentors for the implementation of the Healthy Lifestyle course:
«In accordance with the new educational standards, the Ministry has committed to making Healthy Lifestyle an important component of public education. It is important for teachers to share the values and be familiar with the methodological aspects of the Healthy Lifestyle course. In this context, training mentors becomes crucial, since it is the mentors who will train other teachers. We are closely following the implementation of the Healthy Lifestyle course in schools and would like to express our gratitude to UNFPA, UNESCO, UNICEF and WFP for their cooperation and ongoing support».
Tigran Yepoyan, UNESCO Health and Education Advisor for Eastern Europe and Central Asia, sums up the results of two years of work on mentor training:
«Investments in mentor training are long-term investments in the future of Armenia, in the health, well-being and success of the younger generation. Thanks to the professionalism and enthusiasm of the mentors, the Healthy Lifestyle course becomes an effective tool for the formation of a healthy and responsible society capable of successfully respond to the challenges of the modern world».
UNESCO IITE expresses gratitude to the UNFPA and UNICEF offices in Armenia for their contributions, including photos and content, to this article.