- UNESCO commemorates the International Day against School Violence and Bullying 2024 in India.
New Delhi, India, November 18, 2024 — UNESCO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education of the Government of India and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), took a proactive approach to marking the International Day Against School Violence and Bullying.
The event revolved around the theme “Protect, Educate, Empower: Learners Call for Safe and Inclusive Schools,” highlighting education’s essential role in nurturing supportive and inclusive environments for all students.
This observance not only showcased global and national initiatives but also reinforced ongoing commitments such as the “Learning Without Fear” resolution (2015) and the “Safe to Learn Call to Action” (2019). The webinar, which engaged over 70,000 viewers, emphasized the importance of creating and maintaining safe learning spaces, inspiring participants to contribute to a positive educational atmosphere.
“Eliminating violence in schools is essential for creating safe and equitable learning environments, a principle clearly emphasized in the National Education Policy 2020. We commend the Ministry of Education of India for developing the ‘Guidelines on School Safety and Security,’ demonstrating the Government of India’s commitment to fostering safe and inclusive school environments for all students,” stated Tim Curtis, Director of UNESCO in India.
“The safety and security of students is a priority for the Government of India. In line with the National Education Policy 2020 vision, the Ministry of Education developed the ‘Guidelines on School Safety and Security’ in 2021. All State School Education Departments are encouraged to establish institutional mechanisms to ensure schools are bullying-free. We recognize that this important task cannot be accomplished by the Ministry alone; we need the support of UNESCO, CBSE, and all school managements to implement these guidelines effectively and reach every student in the classroom,” stated Anandrao Vishnu Patil, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Education, Government of India.
“CBSE is dedicated to empowering educators to address these challenges directly. Through initiatives such as the School Health and Wellness Programme in collaboration with UNESCO, we provide teachers across India with practical strategies, including a specific module focused on preventing and addressing bullying,” stated Manoj Srivastava, Director of Training at CBSE.
The event presented many impactful resources, including student voice videos and educational posters. In conjunction with presentations tailored for educators and students, these materials were designed to enhance awareness and provide essential tools for developing safer and more inclusive learning environments. This initiative underscores a solid commitment to the eradication of school violence and bullying throughout India.
Source: UNESCO India
— The CitiTines Editor is a UNESCO-IIEP (UNESCO International Institute for Educational Planning) certified “Independent Appraiser” of Government Education Plans.
CitiTimes 