Dear friends, 

Breastfeeding: Education for Life 
WABA World Breastfeeding Week 1-7 August 1999 

Once again, WABA is inviting you to join more than 120 countries around the globe in the World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) celebrations. 

This year the WBW theme is "Breastfeeding - Education for Life". Through this theme, WABA aims to heighten awareness in every country and at every level of the education system about the significance of breastfeeding particularly to the physical and intellectual development of the child.  

WABA believes that integrating pro-breastfeeding knowledge and skills into the instructional process deserves attention in all formal and informal educational settings. Although there is widespred interest in improving education content, the importance of breastfeeding to society and the benefits of breastmilk for children are rarely taught. Educators are often unaware of the role breastfeeding plays in ecology, economics and sociology. In a modest but significant attempt to address this shortcoming, WABA has produced a series of publications targeted for different age groups- colouring and comic books for children, postcard, calendar, poster, action folder and banner. Please see order forms enclosed. We encourage you to use WABA materials or adapt for producing your own versions of breastfeeding educational materials such as t-shirts, mugs, balloons, songs, skits, pantomimes and games. 

If you have access to the internet, you will find a wealth of information related to the WBW '99 theme, such as Case studies on Breastfeeding and Education and a children's corner with an 'electronic booklet' for children, to name a few. You will also find information on how to order our handmade breastfeeding doll. Just visit WABA's website. 

If you are looking for inspiration in organising an attractive and successful breastfeeding campaign, look up the Ideas for Action in the WBW action folder, or see our report on WBW '98 activities at the WABA website.  

Lastly, we wish you the best in your WBW celebrations, and don't forget to share with us your experiences and activities during the Week. Use the feedback form enclosed, or email your report directly to WABA Secretariat and the WBW coordinator. Remember, you play a crucial role in the success of every WBW celebration!  

With best wishes for a great Week, 

Denise Arcoverde 
WABA WBW International Coodinator