What is it about?
Unsafe and violent schools are a big problem in South Africa, and this paper suggests that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) play a role in this issue. While there have been efforts to help with ACEs at both individual and community levels, the idea of using safe parks to prevent school violence hasn't been explored much yet. To address this, the Adopt-a-School Foundation started a pilot project at eight schools in Botshabelo, Free State Province. The project offered psychosocial support, created safe parks, and encouraged community involvement to make schools safer and more effective. Unlike the few safe parks found in some communities, it's rare to see them at schools. This paper shares the results of a study that looked at how safe parks help reduce school violence. The findings show that safe parks lead to less gangsterism, improved safety for students, and fewer behavior problems. The paper suggests that safe parks should continue providing services to students and should expand to offer even more support.
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Why is it important?
This work is unique and timely as it highlights the role of safe parks in addressing school violence, an area that has been largely overlooked in existing research. By emphasizing community involvement and a holistic approach—combining psychosocial support, community engagement, and the establishment of safe parks—it offers a fresh perspective on effective violence prevention strategies. Given the ongoing challenges of violence and crime among youth in South Africa, this research responds to an urgent need for solutions to improve school safety and support children's psychosocial wellbeing. Additionally, the findings could influence policy and program development, making the insights particularly relevant for educators and policymakers seeking to create safer school environments.
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: The Contribution of Safe Parks to school safety: Lessons from the Thari-programme, Perspectives in Education, March 2024, University of the Free State,
DOI: 10.38140/pie.v42i1.7201.
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