For 16 years, STS developed, refined, and delivered the Whole Child Model in Guinea—a holistic, broad-based set of interventions that establish the conditions of success for children in school. Education, health, and engaged communities are key components of a productive learning environment. STS’s Whole Child Model was designed to address each of these areas simultaneously so that children can enjoy quality education in a healthy environment and with supportive and engaged communities. From 2002 – 2018, STS’s flagship program in coastal Guinea expanded to include 36 partner schools.
Through the Whole Child Model, STS built the conditions of success in schools through interactive learning, local language instruction, teacher and community training, early childhood education, and girls’ empowerment. STS created healthy learning environments through school health policies, provision of school medical supplies, clean water, latrines, nutrition, and health workshops for teachers and students. To support these efforts and encourage sustainability, STS promoted community engagement in learning through local partnerships, effective school management training, parental involvement in education, and cross-cultural learning opportunities.
In 2018, STS expanded the geographic reach of the Whole Child Model to benefit children in the Arusha District of Tanzania.