A new initiative called ‘Community Prevention in Schools’ is set to launch in Sharjah on August 20. The programme, with the theme ‘Together for a Positive Learning Community’, will involve surprise inspections in schools as part of the monitoring system. Dedicated safety coordinators will be present in schools to use preventive measures to identify and address cases of violence, psychological issues, and behavioral issues early on, fostering a safe and positive educational environment.
The initiative will cover students of all age groups and address educational, cultural, and legal concerns. It will involve teaching staff, administrative personnel, and students in both public and private schools in Sharjah. Various Sharjah government entities will be collaborating to provide informative workshops, specialized courses, and educational media as part of the programme. Involvement from entities such as Sharjah Police, Sharjah Police Science Academy, Sharjah Private Education Authority, and Sharjah Social Services Department will ensure a comprehensive approach to student safety and well-being.
Parents will also be included in the safety process in the future, according to a top official. The Sharjah Private Education Authority highlighted the significant improvements in education quality since taking responsibility for private schools in 2018. Continuous supervisory visits to schools ensure that student behavior is monitored and evaluated, contributing to a safe learning environment.
In a related effort, the Sharjah Social Services Department emphasized the importance of the 800700 hotline, which is the UAE’s first child protection helpline established in 2007. The hotline, operating 24/7, provides immediate legal, social, and psychological assistance, functioning as a safety valve for students and educational staff alike. Additionally, initiatives like ‘Your Children are Safe’ focus on safe student transportation, with features like tracking devices in buses and a mobile app for parents to monitor their children’s journeys.
Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi underlined the state’s commitment to the highest safety standards for school transportation, including bus supervisors and driver training. The initiative includes a dedicated bus monitoring room to ensure student safety outside of school hours. SPEA is conducting training courses for drivers and supervisors in collaboration with Sharjah Transport, emphasizing the importance of student safety and well-being in all aspects of the educational experience.
