The Safe Schools Lagos, SSLAG, an initiative of the SchoolRun Academy Ventures for the Lagos State Government/Lagos State Safety Commission is shining its spotlight on the importance of placing children in safe schools.
The initiative’s vision is for every Nigerian child to have access to quality, safe education/learning and key opportunities by leading the change activities that would enable the creation of a sustainable learning culture.
SSLAG was also borne out of the keenness of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to ensure children are safe at all times, sanitise the education sector, thereby creating a secure and safe learning environment which potentially allows students and staff to focus on the business of learning, while also allowing parents and other stakeholders play active role in keeping children safe.
Project Lead, SSLAG, Dr. Bisi Esuruoso, who spoke at a Parents’ Watch Hangout organised recently by the SSLAG with the theme: “BEACON OF SAFETY STATUS IN SCHOOLS; Implications of Placement of Children in Safe Schools” described a Safe School as where the Physical, Academic and disciplinary environments are well managed, supportive and fair.
In her presentation, Dr. Esuruoso, who highlighted guidelines/tips that parents/guardians must look out for before enrolling their wards into any school in the state, stated that students must feel safe, respected and free from various forms of adversities such as bullying, discrimination and harassment.
”Overall, the concept of “Safe Schools” underscores the importance of nurturing a positive and respective atmosphere for students to thrive academically and personally. Hence, cognitive/personal development and survival skills must be taught as part of school etiquette” she said.
The Project Lead urged parents to always visit the SSLAG website www.safeschoolslagos.ng to look up schools/facilities of learning that have earned the Beacon of Safety certification before enrolling their ward.
Etiquette Consultant and guest speaker, Mrs Bimpe Nwabudike addressed the issue of etiquette as it concerns parents/children, saying washing of hands, dental hygiene, nail care, personal hygiene( bathing and showering), table manners, respects( greetings), sleep( maintenance of proper sleeping patterns) are to be instilled into children by their parents.
In her words” The journey of parenting is both a privilege and a responsibility and by actively shaping our children’s behaviour, instilling proper etiquette, prioritizing, their safety, and positively influencing their education, we are not just preparing them for the world , they are becoming contributor to a society built on respect, compassion, and knowledge”.
The Parents’ Watch Hangout had in attendance Special Education Needs Expert, Mrs Nne Oramasionwu, school administrators, parents, school owners, principals, education enthusiasts, safety personnel among others.