A Nongovernmental organizations, Community Outreach for Educational Change (COEC) is calling for total implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration (SSD) in Nigeria.
This position was advocated for at TOT a (Training of Trainers) workshop held in Kaduna.
Ms. Blessing Bonat, the Executive Director and who is also COEC Model Schools’ Manager, Ms Blessing Bonat stressed the urgency for a cohesive partnership between the government, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and other stakeholders to achieve success in the implementation of the Safe Schools programmes.
She decried the limited impact of SSD implementation programme, blaming it on lack of coordination which she said has led to reduced accountability demands from the government.
Ms Bonat used the moment to trace the inception of safe schools in Nigeria which she said dates back to 2019 when President Muhammadu Buhari ratified the SSD, aligning the country with the global commitment to ensuring the safety of schools for both students and education personnel.
On the objective of the workshop,Ms. Bonat underscored the need to undertake the training of trainers who will, in turn, educate schools in the Jei (Agwan Gaiya) District on Safe Schools, aiming to achieve widespread dissemination of the programme in Zangon Kataf LGA and Southern Kaduna.
Krestnews reports that the workshop had diverse attendance, including 19 staff, 11 learners, a representative from the Parent Staff Conference, and COEC’s Executive Director.
Yakubu Kubai Precious, the President of COEC Model Schools, expressed his happiness for the workshop, describing the Safe Schools Declaration as a global commitment to safeguarding schools and learning centres from attacks.
Krestnews reports also observed that participants delved into topics such as the Minimum Standards for Safe Schools and the fundamental human rights to education.
A school administrator Ms. Tabitha Ibrahim, shared spoke on her gains during the workshop.
Chairman of the Parent Staff Conference, Benjamin Bartholomew lauded the importance of the workshop in teaching both staff and students how to stay safe within and outside the school environment.
Bartholomew urged the authorities to prioritize the proper implementation of Safe Schools, emphasizing the invaluable lessons learned by parents on ensuring the safety of their children.
Krestnews reports that the Trainer’s Workshop is aimed to foster a deeper understanding of the Safe Schools Declaration and encourage active participation in the process to support its comprehensive implementation.
The call for a united effort resonates as a crucial step toward securing the educational landscape for future generations. or future generations