2 NGOs partner to promote safer school environment
The MISORNU Safety Centre and the Foundation for Security Development in Africa (FOSDA) have resolved to intensify efforts to promote safer school environments through behavioural change programmes.
The initiative aims to address growing concerns over indiscipline, violence, bullying, substance abuse, and other unlawful behaviours in educational institutions across the country.
The decision was reached during a strategic brainstorming meeting involving the two civil society organisations and the leadership of the National Cadet Corps in Accra on Wednesday.
The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration among the three organisations to promote positive behavioural change among students.
It also formed part of a follow-up to a virtual training programme organised by MISORNU Safety Centre and FOSDA for more than 200 volunteer cadet leaders at Adanwomase in the Ashanti Region last month.
The training covered youth leadership, school safety, responsible behaviour, and violence prevention.
Participants expressed concern about the lack of safe and structured avenues for students, particularly at the Junior and Senior High School levels, to voice their concerns and have grievances addressed.
According to them, unresolved frustrations often contribute to misconduct and expose young people to safety and security risks.
The National Coordinator of the National Cadet Corps, Mr Nicholas Armatefio, described the situation in some schools as alarming, citing incidents of violent attacks, drug abuse, and other forms of lawlessness.
He noted that the National Cadet Corps, with its structures at the national, zonal, regional, and school levels, remains well-positioned to help address youth indiscipline and encourage responsible behaviour among students.
“The National Cadet Corps is one of the biggest youth organisations where the spirit of volunteerism and responsible behaviour remains its core philosophy,” Mr Armatefio said.
He further stressed that violence, substance abuse, and indiscipline in schools could be significantly reduced through the establishment of comprehensive school safety and security systems in collaboration with educational authorities and the Cadet Corps.
The Executive Director of FOSDA, Mrs Theodora Anti, and the Executive Director of the MISORNU Safety Centre, Deputy Commissioner of Police ( COP ) (Rtd.) David Eklu, commended the National Cadet Corps for its dedication to volunteerism, patriotism, and nation-building.
They described the cadet corps as a strategic platform for youth development, leadership training, discipline, mentorship, and capacity building. The two organisations reaffirmed their commitment to supporting programmes that enhance safety and security awareness in schools and communities.
They noted that the National Cadet Corps would play a key role in future interventions aimed at creating safer learning environments and empowering young people across the country.
BY HILDA NSAMI
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