SCHOOLS PROGRAM
Building Safe and Positive Learning Environments
Violence in South African schools is a pressing issue that affects students, teachers, and the overall learning environment. It manifests in various forms—teacher-on-pupil, pupil-on-pupil, and pupil-on-teacher violence, as well as bullying, racism, sexual harassment, and physical or psychological harm. At the Peace Centre, we understand the complexity of these issues and have developed targeted interventions to address them. Our extensive collection of resources and experience enables us to implement effective anti-violence and anti-bullying projects that promote positive change within school communities.
Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP)
Conflict is a natural part of life, but it doesn’t have to result in violence. The Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) helps participants recognize the root causes of conflict and equips them with practical strategies to handle difficult situations constructively. Through a series of experiential workshops, participants learn new ways of dealing with conflict that foster respect, self-control, and understanding. The AVP model, originally developed by the Quakers in New York in 1975, has been successfully adapted worldwide, including in South African schools.
Our workshops, designed for groups of about 20 participants, provide a safe space for students, teachers, and staff to explore conflict resolution techniques. Participants leave empowered with tools to reduce violence and improve relationships within their school communities. Graduates of the AVP can also train to become facilitators, helping to extend the program's reach.
Our workshops, designed for groups of about 20 participants, provide a safe space for students, teachers, and staff to explore conflict resolution techniques. Participants leave empowered with tools to reduce violence and improve relationships within their school communities. Graduates of the AVP can also train to become facilitators, helping to extend the program's reach.
Anti-Bullying in Schools Project
Bullying remains a widespread problem in schools, affecting both the well-being and academic success of learners. Our Anti-Bullying in Schools Project confronts the root causes of bullying by fostering a culture of positive discipline and respect. Building on the 2008 Non-Violent Schools Campaign within the Cape Town Metro South Education District, the project includes:
• Positive Discipline Training: Shifting from punitive measures to constructive discipline that promotes learning and accountability.
• Peer Mediation: Empowering students to resolve conflicts among themselves in a fair and peaceful manner.
• Anti-Bullying Charters and Forums: Engaging school communities in creating charters and advisory forums that actively work against violence and bullying.
• Positive Discipline Training: Shifting from punitive measures to constructive discipline that promotes learning and accountability.
• Peer Mediation: Empowering students to resolve conflicts among themselves in a fair and peaceful manner.
• Anti-Bullying Charters and Forums: Engaging school communities in creating charters and advisory forums that actively work against violence and bullying.
Schools Skills Development Project
The Skills Development Project provides courses or tailored workshops that address violence and conflict in schools. We also offer mediation services on request from schools at a negotiable rate. We offer training and support in:
• Dealing with Conflict: Practical techniques to manage and resolve conflicts in a healthy and respectful manner.
• Mediation in Schools: Teaching students and staff how to mediate disputes before they escalate.
• Gender-Based Violence Awareness: Sensitizing school communities to the realities of gender-based violence and how to address it.
• IT Training for Teaching and Learning: Leveraging technology to enhance learning and support a violence-free school environment.
• Dealing with Conflict: Practical techniques to manage and resolve conflicts in a healthy and respectful manner.
• Mediation in Schools: Teaching students and staff how to mediate disputes before they escalate.
• Gender-Based Violence Awareness: Sensitizing school communities to the realities of gender-based violence and how to address it.
• IT Training for Teaching and Learning: Leveraging technology to enhance learning and support a violence-free school environment.