Prevention Core Competencies

Education Sovereignty through Prevention: A Protective Factor for Healing and Growth

Paradigm Shift

Education sovereignty emphasizes communities' control and autonomy over their educational systems. When viewed through the lens of prevention, it becomes a powerful protective factor that fosters healing and growth for students, families, and communities. This approach ensures the interrelationship of a strength-based approach to redesigning educational systems that addresses the needs of the whole child.

Our Shift

We are shifting from a traditional, top-down approach to education towards a community-centered, prevention-focused model. This new direction emphasizes:

· Community Empowerment: Communities take the lead in decision-making and curriculum development, ensuring that education is culturally relevant and responsive to local needs.

· Preventive Measures: Proactive health and wellness programs are integrated into the educational system, addressing physical, emotional, and social needs before issues arise.

· Strength-Based Approach: Education is redesigned to focus on the strengths and potential of each child, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for all students.

· Protective Factors: Education sovereignty emphasizes community control and autonomy over educational systems. Through a prevention lens, it becomes a powerful protective factor, fostering healing and growth for students, families, and communities.

Course Description

The Introduction to the Prevention Core Competencies course, created by PTTC NCO with partners like Applied Prevention Science International and CADCA, covers SAMHSA’s Prevention Core Competencies. Designed to complement existing national curriculums (e.g., SAPST, UPC), it is available in-person and online, enhancing prevention workforce development.

Expected Outcomes

· Improved Academic Performance: Enhanced student engagement and academic success due to culturally relevant and community-driven educational practices.

· Stronger Cultural Identity: Increased cultural pride and identity among students, fostering a sense of belonging and self-worth.

· Empowered Communities: Greater community cohesion and empowerment as communities take ownership of their educational systems.

· Better Health Outcomes: Improved physical, mental, and emotional health for students and families through preventive and holistic support measures.

· Resilient Communities: Communities better equipped to support the lifelong success and well-being of their members.

Are you interested in bringing this culturally-based substance use prevention training to your community?

Contact Melanie Johnson at MJohnson@niea.org or Raquel Ramos at RRamos@niea.org

Call for Partners and Funding

We invite partners and funders to join us in this transformative shift. Your support can help us:

· Expand Training Programs: Enhance the reach and impact of our training initiatives, equipping more educators and community leaders with essential prevention skills.

· Support Community-Led Initiatives: Empower communities to develop and implement education systems that reflect their unique needs and values.

· Enhance Resource Access: Provide vital resources for health, wellness, and educational support to students, families, and communities.

· Sustain Long-Term Impact: Secure funding for the ongoing development and improvement of prevention-focused educational systems.