Our Approach
The Uplift Partnership is about supporting the health and learning of school-aged children and youth using a Health Promoting Schools approach.
The UpLift Partnership empowers children and youth to take the lead in creating school communities that are healthy, vibrant, caring and connected. Priority-setting for UpLift is supported by an Advisory Committee of key stakeholders, currently co-chaired by representatives from the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and Nova Scotia Health.
The UpLift Partnership builds on the best evidence and research. The impact of UpLift will continually be evaluated to ensure ongoing success and sustainability.
Our Strategies
Youth, School & Community Engagement
The UpLift Partnership involves youth as change agents for their school, families and communities. Engaging youth to actively participate in decisions that impact them increases efficacy of programs and policies and acknowledges the skills and knowledge that they bring to the table.
Planning & Evaluation
Our work is evaluated through a process involving students, school staff champions, Youth Engagement Coordinators, and other members of the Health Promoting Schools network in Nova Scotia. Data are collected through a range of methods including focus groups, surveys and story sharing.
Partnership & Leadership
A core component of the UpLift Partnership is bringing together different stakeholders that are invested in Health Promoting Schools such as government partners, not-for-profit organizations and school communities. At UpLift, we bring together partners across sectors to collaborate in creating conditions for healthy learning environments.
Capacity Building
The UpLift Partnership supports school communities to incorporate existing Health Promoting Schools policies and practices. Training and learning opportunities enable youth, teachers and community partners to build their knowledge, and develop their skills and capacity. UpLift offers tools and resources to help schools, youth and staff to create healthy school environments.
Knowledge Exchange
The UpLift Partnership develops tools and resources to align everyones understanding of the benefits of involving youth voice in Health Promoting Schools.
We are all Treaty people. Nova Scotia is in Mi’kma’ki, which is the unceded traditional territory of the Mi’kmaq people. Those involved with the UpLift Partnership recognize the Mi’kmaq stewardship of this land and will work towards relationships of peace and friendship.