COMMUNIQUÉ FROM THE 2024 BULLYING AND VIOLENCE IN SCHOOLS IMPACT SUMMIT
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COMMUNIQUÉ FROM THE 2024 BULLYING AND
VIOLENCE IN SCHOOLS IMPACT SUMMIT
Held in Abuja on October 28, 2024, and in Lagos on October 31, 2024.
OVERVIEW:
The summit aimed to enhance understanding of bullying and related issues, evaluate existing bullying policies, and recommend necessary legislative actions. Outcomes from the summit emphasize the need for collaborative efforts to ensure safer school environments for all students.
KEY RESOLUTIONS:
1. Policy Implementation:
Every school and childcare organization is expected to adopt the following:
- An effective bullying policy understood and endorsed by all stakeholders, including students, parents, and external witnesses.
- A safeguarding and child protection policy.
- A designated officer (counselor/social worker) trained as a child protection coordinator to oversee the response to child abuse and neglect.
2. Policy Review:
A pressing need exists to revisit current bullying policies, integrating recent updates in safeguarding and children's rights:
- Schools may mandate attendance at rehabilitation programs for students persistently engaging in bullying behavior. This attendance could range from one weekend to a full academic year, with the goal of returning them reformed.
- Schools are empowered to compel parental attendance at PTA meetings, with non-compliant parents referred to the Ministry of Youth and Social Development within 72 hours. Public schools should face minimal challenges with this provision, though private schools may encounter operational hurdles.
3. National Week of Action:
Participation in the National Week of Action Against Bullying and Violence in Schools, scheduled for November 11-15, 2024, is crucial. Supported at no cost to the schools by the African Principals Conference Initiative NGO, this program will empower students to become champions of anti-bullying initiatives. Schools must register their designated officers for this important week via email at [email protected] or phone at 08023308188.
4. Future Research:
The second national tracking study on bullying and student well-being is set for early 2025. The 2023 baseline bullying tracking report is available for download at www.africatopschools.com.
5. Support Services:
Our team at the African Principals Conference Initiative will provide support services to interested schools for the development of:
- Effective Bullying Policy
- Safeguarding and Children's Rights Statement
We express our gratitude for the technical support from the Federal Ministry of Education, aimed at creating a safe learning environment in every school.
Yours Faithfully,
For: AFRICAN PRINCIPALS CONFERENCE INITIATIVE
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Joseph Ayodele, BSc, MBA, CMC, FAPCI, FIMC
Director- General
Cc Hon. Minister, Federal Ministry of Education
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education
Attachment:
https://i.postimg.cc/0NZSFxvw/IMG-20241031-WA0058.jpg Lagos Center picture
https://i.postimg.cc/pdrp7LzF/IMG-20241028-WA0026.jpg Abuja Center Picture
