Schools are critical infrastructure entrusted with the responsibility of creating citizens of tomorrow. A safe and secure environment is a prerequisite for effective teaching and learning. Thus ensuring safety of children, teachers and staff members during disasters is necessary. In this context Chief Education Officer (CEO) Kupwara organised orientation program for teachers (school safety counselors) on whole school safety and security under SAMAGRA SHIKSHA J&K. The workshop was conducted in 5 zones of District Kupwara namely Mawar at BHSS Qalamabad, in Kupwara at BHSS Kupwara, in Trehgam at BHSS Trehgam, in Langate at GHSS Langate and in Kralpora at BHSS Kralpora. The workshops were conducted on 6th and 8th of March 2023 in the above mentioned zones with full participation of school nodal officers . Javed Ahmad Wani the DNO of the said workshop had already emphasized the importance of this new concept to Zonal nodal officers . All the resource persons of 5 zones gave their best in letter and spirit because at schools, children need a secure, positive, and comfortable environment which may help them learn and grow.
A teacher has to remain ready, alert and vigilant in his /her school and one should make his /her students to feel at home in school. Students should not be scared but they must be ready to fave any harsh situation.
A safe learning environment is essential for students of all ages. Without that they are unable to focus on learning the skills needed for a successful education and future. When setting up any lesson that deals with potentially sensitive subjects, it’s essential to begin by creating a safe, secure learning environment. This will help children feel confident to share their ideas, values and attitudes without fear of negative feedback from their peers. In addition to whole school safety and security approach, the main stress was laid upon the responsibilities of HoIs and teachers . The roles discussed were:
Supporting the Principal in gently orienting students towards the safety and security in general.
Teachers should also help set classroom norms and standards that support child safety and security.
Collaboratively develop (with students) healthy classroom norms and conduct of behaviour which ensures a safe and secure classroom environment.
Encourage the habit of inquiry and sharing through placing of ‘Question box’/ ‘Opinion box’ and addressing regularly the curiosity and problems of all children.
Conduct relaxation exercises such as mindful breathing/yoga either in assembly or in between different periods to improve concentration and reduce stress.
Being sensitive in the use of language and refrain from passing judgment on child behaviours to nurture positive attitudes and relationships amongst and with children.
Being vigilant and observant about unusual behaviors and signs of stress or depression in students and informing and holding discussions with parents accordingly.
Highlight the strengths of every child not just within the classroom but also in the PTMs so as to promote self-esteem and confidence. Appreciate efforts more than the scores to reduce the exam-related stress which is increasingly affecting the child and parent psyche.
Engage in inquiry and dialogue in classrooms around challenging stereotypes among students with regards to gender, caste, class, ethnicity, language, etc.
Developing a friendly relationship with the child so as to have hesitation/fear-free dialogues.
Connecting with schools and school related activities so as to develop a symbiotic relationship.
Regularly attending the Parent Teacher Meetings and PTA meetings (in case of membership).
Following guidelines circulated by the school from time to time on child safety and security.
Ensure that their wards leave for schools with masks and sanitizers and are following the safe distance and hygiene norms during school hours.
In nutshell, a teacher has to remain ready, alert and vigilant in his /her school and one should make his /her students to feel at home in school. Students should not be scared but they must be ready to fave any harsh situation.
(The author is a Resource Person In Education Zone Mawar of Kupwara district .The views, opinions, facts, assumptions, presumptions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”.)
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