EMPOWERING YOUNG MINDS: HOW CODES OF CONDUCT ARE TRANSFORMING PRIMARY SCHOOL SAFETY

EMPOWERING YOUNG MINDS: HOW CODES OF CONDUCT ARE TRANSFORMING PRIMARY SCHOOL SAFETY

By Noel Chatepa

Child Safeguarding is a critical aspect of education especially in primary schools and the setting of code of conducts in schools plays a crucial role in creating a safe and secure environment for learners.

Through its Gender Sensibilization and Safeguarding project, Karonga Diocese Justice and Peace Desk facilitated the creation of Code of Conducts for 25 Catholic primary schools in Chitipa District.

Grace Kamisa, a learner at Kaseye primary school says, “there are different types of abuse that one may face here at school and also at home such as psychological abuse where teachers or learners may abuse a peer with insulting words and physical abuse where a teacher beats a learner or even us as learners fighting each other.

Grace goes on to add that, “another abuse can be that which is sexual where a teacher may pressure a student to sleep with them by lying to them that they will buy the learner food items. We were told by CCJP that when we face such incidents, we are supposed to report to the teachers who are responsible for safeguarding, and we can also use the suggestions boxes that are available here at school”.

 Chikondi Luhanga who is the safeguarding focal person for Kaseye primary school in Chitipa says, “We use the code of conducts to handle various cases that have been reported by learners and we were also trained on how to handle safeguarding cases by CCJP. The codes of conduct and reporting procedures not only provide a framework for handling reported cases but also safeguard the confidentiality of those who come forward. When complex situations arise, the school can turn to the Diocesan safeguarding officer for guidance, ensuring that every child’s right to learn in a secure environment is upheld”.

Codes of conducts in primary schools are not mere administrative documents rather they are powerful tools for safeguarding children and when implemented effectively, they create a protective environment for learners ensuring their right to learn and thrive in a secure environment.

The Gender Sensibilisation and Safeguarding Project in Chitipa is being implemented by Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace Karonga Diocese Desk with support from MISEREOR and the Diocese of Munster in Germany.