EDC/HHD Joins with Bertelsmann Foundation for Healthy Schools Project

The German Bertelsmann Foundation announced the formation of a four-year partnership with Education Development Center’s division of Health and Human Development Programs and EDC-Europe on June 7, 2004 aimed at advancing health and learning in German schools.

The new Bertelsmann Foundation-EDC/HHD partnership will enhance the foundation’s Anschub.de, a project committed to improving the health and learning of German students and their teachers. The joint venture signifies the shared goal of the Bertelsmann Foundation and EDC to give new and sustainable focus to the development of good and healthy schools in Germany.

Founded by Reinhard Mohn in 1977, the Bertelsmann Foundation builds bridges among research, policy, and practice. By collaborating with government, universities, nonprofit organizations and private foundations, the foundation develops products and programs to address many issues in society including – early childhood development, health promotion, economic development, institutional reform and social justice.

EDC, founded in 1958, conducts 335 projects in 50 countries, advancing learning and healthy development for individuals of all ages and institutions of all types. Its European office is in the Netherlands.

Each partner will contribute its experience, expertise and networks to Anschub.de. They will collaborate on strategic planning and program management, tools adaptation and development, consultancy and sharing of experiences, and coordination and eventual expansion at the European level.

At the signing ceremony held in Guetersloh, Germany, EDC’s Cheryl Vince Whitman said, ”It is an honor to join with the Bertelsmann Foundation in this important work. Around the world, research and practical experience tell us that student learning and academic achievement is strengthened by the health of teachers and students, the psycho-social quality of the school environment, and school management and teaching practices. The Bertelsmann Foundation’s leadership in addressing these critical issues for young people in Germany will make an important social contribution. The project honor s Mr. Mohn’s mission to improve the quality of people’ s lives and HHD’s mission to promote health and safety where people live, learn and work. Working cross-culturally in this way adds richness and depth in perspective to what any one of us could bring alone.”

Representatives from EDC and the German Bertelsmann Foundation met earlier this year at Bertelsmann headquarters to explore the opportunities and ‘win-win’ outcomes for this collaboration. Following the 2004 meeting, EDC became a member of an alliance of national partners and distinguished researchers that support Anschub.de.

Together, the partners will provide support and evidence-based resources for high-quality education, healthy school environments, school-community coalitions, as well as targeted health interventions in an effort to produce good educational results by fostering health.

Tools adapted for the project will provide teachers and administ rators with data, guidelines for school policy and lessons about nutrition, fitness, and methods to manage stress and prevent alcohol, drug abuse, and violence. A goal of the project is to develop a network of good and healthy schools to share experiences and learn from each other.