Sharjah, UAE – On Tuesday, August 20, Sharjah will unveil its new “Community Prevention in Schools” programme, themed ‘Together for a Positive Learning Community,’ aimed at creating safer and more supportive educational environments across the emirate.
This year-long initiative will involve surprise inspections in schools as part of its comprehensive monitoring system.
The programme, which will span all public and private schools in Sharjah, seeks to preemptively address and mitigate issues related to violence, psychological stress, and behavioral problems among students.
By implementing preventive measures, the initiative aims to foster a safe and positive learning atmosphere for students of all ages.
A Holistic Approach to School Safety
The “Community Prevention in Schools” programme will be overseen by dedicated safety coordinators who will be stationed in schools to proactively identify and address potential issues.
This initiative is designed to tackle educational, cultural, and legal concerns, ensuring a well-rounded approach to school safety.
The programme will also incorporate informative workshops, specialized courses, and educational media, facilitated in collaboration with various Sharjah government entities.
Participating organizations include Sharjah Police, the Sharjah Police Science Academy, the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA), and the Sharjah Social Services Department (SSSD). These entities will work together to implement and monitor the programme’s effectiveness.
Enhanced Supervision and Support
The Sharjah Private Education Authority, which has been responsible for overseeing private schools since 2018, has noted significant improvements in educational quality and student safety during this period.
Continuous supervisory visits have played a crucial role in monitoring student behavior and ensuring a safe learning environment.
SPEA has highlighted that this new initiative builds on the successes of previous efforts to improve school safety and educational standards.
“We are committed to creating a positive learning environment for all students,” said a SPEA spokesperson. “This programme will enhance our ability to address issues before they escalate, contributing to a safer and more supportive educational experience.”
Parental Involvement and Communication
The programme will also emphasize the involvement of parents in the safety process. According to a top official, future phases of the initiative will include efforts to integrate parents more closely into the safety framework.
This step is expected to further strengthen the community’s role in maintaining a secure and nurturing educational environment.
Ongoing Support Through Child Protection Services
In addition to the school-based initiative, the Sharjah Social Services Department continues to support students and educational staff through the 800700 hotline.
Established in 2007, this UAE-first child protection helpline operates 24/7, providing immediate legal, social, and psychological assistance.
As a member of Child Helpline International and the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN), the hotline plays a vital role in raising legal and social awareness.
Safe School Transportation
Addressing concerns related to school transportation, Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi emphasized the commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.
This includes rigorous training for bus drivers and supervisors. The SSSD’s “Your Children are Safe” initiative complements these efforts by focusing on safe transportation from home to school.
Key components of this initiative include the installation of tracking devices in school buses and a mobile app, Maaman Parent, which allows parents to monitor their children’s journeys.
The app, available on both Google Play and the Apple Store, provides real-time tracking and enhances communication between schools and parents.
SPEA has also established a dedicated bus monitoring room to oversee student safety beyond school hours.
In collaboration with Sharjah Transport, the authority is conducting training courses for drivers and supervisors to ensure the highest standards of safety and care.
Conclusion
Sharjah’s new “Community Prevention in Schools” programme represents a significant step forward in ensuring the well-being of students across the emirate.
By integrating surprise inspections, parental involvement, and advanced safety measures, the initiative aims to create a supportive and secure learning environment for all.
Through collaborative efforts and continuous monitoring, Sharjah is setting a new standard for school safety and community engagement.