Strengthening One Health Literacy in Primary Schools in Somalia: Development, Translation, Validation and Implementation of a Training of Trainers Manual

This report presents the process and outcomes of the initiative “Strengthening One Health Literacy in Somali Primary Schools” implemented under the COHESA Project, Work Package 3. The initiative aimed to introduce One Health concepts into primary education by developing, validating, and implementing a culturally adapted One Health for Pastoral Children manual for teachers in Somalia. The process included four interconnected stages: manual development, translation and localization into Somali, validation through expert and teacher feedback, and Training of Trainers (ToT) delivery in Borama and Mogadishu.

The manual was co-developed by the COHESA Somalia Multiplier Team in collaboration with Amoud and Somali National Universities, and the Ministries of Education, Health, and Livestock. It integrates lessons that connect human, animal, and environmental health through stories, games, and participatory activities suited to Somali pastoral and agro-pastoral contexts.

Validation workshops confirmed the manual’s scientific accuracy, clarity, and cultural relevance. Subsequent ToTs in Borama and Mogadishu trained a total of 62 teachers (32 in Borama and 30 in Mogadishu) drawn from 16 primary schools, of whom 25 (approximately 40%) were female. Evaluation data showed substantial improvements in participants’ understanding of One Health principles, confidence in using interactive teaching methods, and ability to integrate One Health themes into school curricula.

The report highlights the transformative potential of integrating One Health education into primary schools, enabling children to become agents of change within their communities. It concludes with recommendations for institutional adoption, wider teacher training, and inclusion of One Health content in the national curriculum.