In a bid to tackle growing safety concerns in schools across the province, the Free State Department of Education has issued a heartfelt appeal to parents, guardians, and community members to actively participate in fostering safer and more supportive learning environments for all learners.
The call comes amid an increase in incidents involving violence, bullying, vandalism, and other forms of misconduct within schools issues that have raised alarm among educators, learners, and government officials alike.
Free State MEC for Education, emphasized the critical role that communities play in maintaining school safety. Education is a shared responsibility. We cannot expect our teachers and school staff to shoulder the entire burden of ensuring safety. It begins at home and must be reinforced by the broader community, the MEC said during a recent press briefing.
The department has outlined several key areas where community involvement can make a meaningful impact:
Active Parental Involvement: Parents are encouraged to engage more closely with their children’s schooling from attending parent-teacher meetings to monitoring their child’s behavior and social interactions.
Neighborhood Watch Partnerships: Communities are being urged to collaborate with local authorities to form or strengthen neighborhood watch programs, particularly in areas surrounding schools that have been identified as high-risk.
Promoting Positive Behavior: Community leaders, faith-based organizations, and NGOs are being called on to mentor young people and promote values of respect, discipline, and responsibility.
Reporting and Prevention: The department is encouraging anyone with knowledge of criminal or disruptive behavior in or around schools to report it immediately, assuring the public that all reports will be treated with urgency and confidentiality.
According to the department, safety in schools is not just about preventing violence but also about creating an atmosphere that is conducive to learning. A learner who feels unsafe or threatened cannot be expected to perform to their full potential, said the MEC.
In recent months, several incidents have brought the issue of school safety into sharp focus, including altercations among learners, the presence of dangerous weapons, and vandalism of school property. These events have underscored the urgency of a collaborative approach.
The department is also working closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other stakeholders to implement safety protocols and conduct awareness campaigns in schools. Additionally, plans are underway to introduce more school safety officers and improve security infrastructure where necessary.
The Free State Education Department is hopeful that by working together with families and communities, schools can once again become safe havens where children are free to learn, grow, and thrive.
We all want the same thing for our children to be safe and successful, said the MEC. Let us stand united in making our schools places of peace, learning, and opportunity.
