Mail & Guardian
Mail & Guardian

Education authorities respond to school violence

1 min read

The department of education has emphasized that teaching learners positive values is the key to reducing violence at schools.

In a response to the recent spate of violent acts against learners, including the murder of a grade 8 pupil at the Nic Diederichs High School in Gauteng, the department condemned the attacks and called for a more holistic approach to dealing with the levels of violence in schools.

The department had previously taken several steps aimed at improving the safety of school learners.

  • The Hlayiseka programme which assists schools to understand and identify security issues and threats; guide schools to respond effectively to these issues; report and manage reported incidents appropriately and monitor the schools progress over time.

  • Support to teachers to deal with discipline in schools, which included the “Alternatives to corporal punishment” and partnerships to assist teachers with skills aimed at classroom and behavior management.

  • Youth Camps, in partnership with Valued Citizens, aimed at instilling positive values in learners, and particularly targeted towards learners with behavioral challenges and schools with high levels of crime and violence.

    • Teachers attending the camps are also provided with support in handling difficult learners. The camps have a strong focus on the rights and responsibilities of young people in schools. Other key programme elements include conflict resolution, self-discipline, respect and leadership development.

    The statement by the heads of all education departments in the country also called on parents, communities and school management to take joint responsibility in promoting respect and tolerance, as this is the key to eradicating violence.