Sharjah officials from Sharjah Police Academy, Sharjah Police, Sharjah Social Services Department and Sharjah Private Education Authority announced a new initiative aimed at preventing violence and abuse against students across all schools in the emirate. The initiative, titled ‘Community Prevention in Schools,’ aligns with the directives of Sheikh Sultan bin Mohamed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah. It has been launched by the Sharjah Police Academy in collaboration with Sharjah Police, the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA), and the Sharjah Social Services Department.
The details of the initiative were revealed during a press conference at the Sharjah Police Academy. The campaign focuses on early detection and swift intervention in cases involving students. As part of the initiative, there will be unannounced inspections in schools to monitor student wellbeing. Additionally, SPEA has appointed safety and security coordinators for schools to ensure a protective environment.
Major General Saif Al Zari Al Shamsi, Commander-in-Chief of Sharjah Police, emphasized that the initiative is a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders. It includes a comprehensive range of programs, workshops, specialized courses, and awareness videos. The initiative targets the three key components of the educational process: teaching staff, administration, and students. It is set to cover all public and private schools in Sharjah.
Ahmed Al Meel, Director-General of the Social Services Department, highlighted the importance of collaboration among psychologists, social workers, teachers, and parents in this initiative. A key aspect is the early identification of abuse, violence, or risks to children, accompanied by education on protective measures and strategies to support children who have experienced abuse.
The initiative will be implemented throughout the year, with the first phase being evaluated at the end of the year. Based on the outcomes, further steps will be planned for the coming years to enhance and develop the program.
