As the main resource for learning in difficult circumstances, the textbook should include Target 4.7 and SEL content relevant to students’ lives, and should aid the teacher through structured pedagogy embedded in the textbook.

In low-resource and fragile settings, how can teachers with little training or support turn the SDG Goal 4 into practical teaching and learning?

The Networking to Integrate SDG Target 4.7 and SEL Skills into Educational Materials (NISSEM) group aims to advance the agenda in UN member states to support children and youth in post-conflict and low resource settings and thus build education systems that help young people build a good future for themselves, their country, and the world.

Often, stories – from real life or otherwise – can provide the emotional impetus for students to consider a theme or potential action, and begin to form a positive attitude to future action. Youth can help generate these stories, which can indeed model their own positive actions in the workplace (especially in relation to sustainable development, health and social welfare) as well as voluntary work.

A core aim of NISSEM is to promote training and create space for writers to explore SEL and its application to Target 4.7 themes, as applicable in the national context; to focus on readability issues; and to encourage the use of structured pedagogy that enables teachers with limited professional background or resources to use active learning methods that can engage the hearts as well as the minds of the students.

NISSEM is the outcome of a series of meetings of committed academics and professionals based in the US, UK and Africa. The network (or group) is now actively exploring collaboration with other regions.