Have you heard of the 6 C’s?

In April, the World Health Organization published its updated guidelines for preventing early pregnancy among adolescents in low- and middle-income countries. 

The guideline underscores the importance of empowering girls by helping them build core protective assets, “which enable them to grow and develop in good health, avoid and mitigate poor health outcomes, and thrive in other aspects of their lives (p. 46-48).”

These core protective assets, or the 6C’s as we refer to them at One Good Turn, have been part of our School Health Program for many years. We incorporate these traits into our training and handbook because of their proven effectiveness in promoting positive youth development. 

So What are the 6 C’s?

Connection: A feeling of safety, structure, and belonging; positive bonds with people and institutions.

Confidence: A sense of self-worth and mastery; belief in one’s capacity to succeed.

Character: Taking responsibility, developing independence, and aligning with values.

Competence: The ability to act effectively in school, work, and social settings.

Contribution: Active participation and leadership; making a difference.

Caring: Empathy, compassion, and commitment to social justice.

The 6 C’s in Action

During our training sessions, teachers learn about the 6 C’s as part of our larger integrity development strategy. They learn how to watch for warning signs of abuse and poor mental health and use our handbook to help students manage their emotions, build confidence, and become more resilient.

In order to fully integrate the principles of the 6 C’s into the students’ lives, we encourage teachers, known as School Health Officers (SHOs), to form Student Health Clubs, and we provide engaging activities to use in the meetings. ​​Our program team in Kenya has witnessed firsthand the positive impact of the 6C's in the classroom environment:

"Integrating the 6Cs into our School Health Program has been a game-changer. We see students building strong connections with peers and teachers, gaining confidence to speak up and taking responsibility for their choices. They’re not just learning health facts; they’re developing real-life skills, showing empathy, and actively contributing to healthier, more caring school communities. The impact is visible in both behavior and mindset." -Georgette Akinyi, One Good Turn's Field Program Manager

Kenya’s latest school Competency-Based Curriculum emphasizes the importance of teaching mental health, a value that directly aligns with our mission at One Good Turn. We believe that mental health education is a necessary component of a successful health program. Health is not simply the absence of illness; it is the presence of connection and care that allows students to overcome adversity and develop to their full potential.

Read more about our School Health Training Program (SHARE) and how to be a part of this growing movement.