This year, the theme Breastfeeding: Education for Life, addresses the need to integrate information on the importance of breastfeeding into our education system at all levels. 

All over the world there is increasing knowledge and concern about early child development and significant interactions in the family. There is also widespread interest in improving the quality of child care and in integrating knowledge about the needs of the developing child into our education systems and curricula. Yet despite the significantly important role breastfeeding plays in the well-being of the family, the environment, economics and society, the benefits of breastfeeding are rarely taught at any educational level. For example, how many people even know that breastfeeding: 

• enhances optimal brain development provided by nutrients and interaction
• protects babies from illnesses that can cause malnutrition, learning and hearing difficulties
• ensures frequent interaction and exposes babies to language, positive social behaviour and significant stimuli, and
• enables better visual development and visual acuity leading to reading and learning readiness.

• integrating the breastfeeding topic into the annual workplan of the nursery or child care centre as in the Breastfeeding Nursery Schools Initiative in Chile
• telling of stories - a breastfeeding class for adolescents developed by teachers and the peer counsellor in a Canadian First Nations (Native) Community
• integrating breastfeeding into the curricula of six Nicaraguan universities- a Woman and Baby-friendly University Initiative
• Breastfeeding- First Step to Good Health, a model curriculum developed by the New York State Dept. of Health to school programmes.

WABA believes it is important to start breastfeeding education right from the beginning. This is because cultural, emotional and social forces shape our attitudes early in our lives. Families, friends and teachers influence beliefs about what is and what is not acceptable. As such, integrating breastfeeding knowledge and critical thinking skills into the instructional process deserves attention at all levels of formal and informal educational settings. WABA has produced several educational materials which integrate breastfeeding experiences and practices targeted for different age groups. National groups are using and/or adapting WABA materials to suit local situations and audiences. 

In conclusion, this year's WBW focus on Education for Life challenges us as teachers, trainers, advocates and parents to rethink the way we help protect, promote and support breastfeeding. As we take on this challenge, let us be reminded that the longest journey begins with a single step, to reach out to the hearts and minds of our young ones. 

For more information, please contact:  
Denise Arcoverde, WBW International Coordinator l TeleFax: 55-81-4327701 l  email: origem@aleitamento.org.br  
or Susan Siew, Director, WABA Secretariat 
Tel: 604-658 4816 l Fax: 604-657 2655  l Email: waba@waba.org.my