Schools get safety info boards
SCHOOL safety information boards were developed and promoted by the South Durban Basin (SDB) Area Based Management (ABM) office at 20 local schools to encourage school and community safety.
The project forms part of a project undertaken by the SDB ABM offices in partnership with the Safer Cities Unit.
A workshop was held to discuss the management of the boards and to give pupils the skills to understand the purpose the boards at Clairwood High School. Speakers included Ballan Reddy of Wentworth SAP’s social crime prevention unit and a representative each from the departments of education and correctional services.
“The launch of the notice boards has been met with great enthusiasm by both the pupils and teachers. We are also pleased to have such a good response from the Education Department,” said Anitha Govender, SDB ABM social development co-ordinator.
The hope is to get pupils involved in raising awareness and getting involved in topical issues affecting them. The boards will be used as a catalyst for programmes and projects in the schools to build self-esteem, deal with peer pressure and exam stress, among others.
“Another exciting dimension to this project is a competition we have introduced. Once a term schools will be judged for the most innovative, informative and exciting board. There will be prizes and trophies awarded to winning schools,” said Eurakha Singh, SDB ABM manager.
Grosvenor Girls High School has already started the project and according to the teachers, it has been an exciting and interesting exercise and the pupils look forward to the New Year to get actively involved with the project.
– erinh@dbn.caxton.co.za