A fresh initiative is set to commence in Sharjah on August 20, introducing the 'Community Prevention in Schools' program, which is centered around the concept of 'Together for a Positive Learning Community'. This program will include unannounced visits to schools as a component of its surveillance framework. Over the course of a year, the initiative will employ specialized safety coordinators within schools to proactively detect and tackle instances of aggression, as well as psychological and behavioral challenges, thereby fostering a secure and encouraging academic atmosphere.
The initiative will encompass students of all ages, addressing a spectrum of educational, cultural, and legal issues. It will extend its reach to include teaching and administrative staff, as well as students in both public and private schools throughout Sharjah. The program will also incorporate educational workshops, specialized training sessions, and educational media, in partnership with various Sharjah government bodies.
Multiple Sharjah government entities will collaborate on this initiative, including the Sharjah Police, Sharjah Police Science Academy, Sharjah Private Education Authority, and Sharjah Social Services Department. In the future, parents will be integrated into the safety framework, as stated by a senior official to Khaleej Times. The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has noted a marked enhancement in educational quality since assuming oversight of private schools in 2018, with ongoing supervisory visits ensuring a safe learning environment through the monitoring and assessment of student conduct.
In a parallel endeavor, the Sharjah Social Services Department (SSSD) underscored the significance of the 800700 hotline, the UAE's inaugural child protection helpline established in 2007. Operating around the clock, this helpline offers immediate legal, social, and psychological support and is affiliated with Child Helpline International and ISPCAN. It also functions as a safeguard for both students and educational personnel, promoting legal and social awareness.
Regarding school transportation, Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi emphasized the implementation of top-tier safety measures, from bus supervisors to driver training. The SSSD also referenced the 'Your Children are Safe' initiative by SPEA, which focuses on secure student transportation, featuring tracking devices in buses and a mobile app allowing parents to track their children's commutes, managed by Maaman Parent, available on Google Play and Apple Store. Additionally, SPEA has set up a dedicated bus monitoring room to ensure student safety beyond school hours, and is conducting training programs for drivers and supervisors in collaboration with Sharjah Transport.
