SCI Trains 50 Master Trainers On Safe School Policy, Security In Kaduna
By: Femi Mustapha
In a sustained effort to support the Kaduna state government’s Reaching Out-of-School (ROOSC), Save the Children International (SCI) has trained 50 master trainers on the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-free Schools minimum standards in Kaduna.
Speaking at a 4-day capacity training in Kaduna on Tuesday, Badar Musa, the Deputy Director of Advocacy, Campaign, Communication, and Media for SCI, stressed the importance of strengthening local capacity to safeguard children from violence and attacks in schools.
“The safety of children in schools is non-negotiable. This training is not just an intervention, it’s a life-saving mission”.
Musa highlighted that Kaduna State, which has recorded several school-related abductions and violent incidents in recent years, has become a high-risk zone, adding that children exposed to violence in schools or during their commute often drop out due to fear and trauma.
“They no longer feel safe in or around school. This training addresses these threats, whether they happen in classrooms, on the way to school, or within communities”.
Musa underscored the importance of cross-sectoral collaboration to build a holistic school safety system.
“No single agency can solve these challenges alone. We need synergy across all sectors—from the prosecution of perpetrators to psychological support for survivors. Only through teamwork can we create truly safe learning environments”.
Musa also commended Kaduna State for being the first state in Nigeria to domesticate the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools.
“Kaduna is setting the pace. The state has localized the policy to suit its context, making implementation more practical and effective”.
Also, the Deputy Project Coordinator of the Reaching Out-of-School Children (ROOSC) Project under the Kaduna State Ministry of Education, Hassan Abdul lauded the initiative as both timely and critical.
“This aligns with the governor’s agenda to improve school infrastructure and community involvement in education. We are grateful for Save the Children’s support”.
He urged participants to take the training seriously, urging them to step down the training to their respective schools.
One of the participants, Suleiman Abdullazeez, who is also the Chairman of the Joint National Association of People with Disabilities, expressed appreciation that the training incorporated inclusive safety strategies.
“Children with disabilities, girls, and other vulnerable groups must not be left out. Safety must be holistic covering physical, psychological, and emotional well-being”.
Participants at the training include representatives from the Ministries of Education and Justice, the Nigeria Police Force, the Civil Defence Corps, the Vigilante Services, and other paramilitary outfits.
