My School is my Friend

Bryan Santos Samia

Child-friendly schools aim to develop a learning environment in which children are motivated and able to learn. Teachers, administration, and staff members are friendly and welcoming to children and attend to all their health and safety needs. A child-friendly school is more than just a place for formal learning. Foremost, it is an institution that recognizes and respects the range of rights of children, and not just their right to be educated. These rights also include their rights to be healthy, to be given opportunities for play and leisure, to be protected from harm and abuse, to express their views freely, and to participate in decision-making according to their evolving capacities.

While upholding children’s rights, a child-friendly school also instills in children the responsibilities that go with their rights. Among these are to respect the rights of others, respect diversity, practice equality, and resolve differences without resorting to violence. Just as important, a child-friendly school takes the lead in shaping a learning environment that enables children to learn as much as their intellectual faculties could take. It is a kind of environment that allows them to grow healthy, equips them with knowledge and skills that they can use throughout life, and enables them to become responsible and productive members of their community and society.

Here are some of the principle of a child-friendly school suggested by the scholars and it is based on the Child-friendly school mode of UNICEF.

1. A child-friendly school is inclusive, gender-sensitive, and non- discriminating- in school, boys and girls were giving equal opportunities. All learners treat equally regardless of gender, social status, cultural origin or religious belief. It is said to be inclusive which is all diverse learners have access to education.

2. It is child-centered- the main clientele are the learners. The curriculum addresses the child’s learning needs as well as those of the community and society which is suited to their learning needs and capabilities and incorporates with the teaching method and strategies. With these teaching strategies they must master the basic skills of reading, writing speaking, listening, mathematics and necessary skills that they can use in their everyday living and teach them to be more independent and to become a good decision maker.

3. A child-friendly school is healthy for the learners which promotes health and safety. • Guarantees that school buildings, grounds, and facilities are safe, clean, healthy, and with adequate water and sanitary facilities

• Has written policies and regular practices that promote good health • Integrates health education and life skill development in its curriculum

• Hosts regular health services for children, such as immunization

4. A child-friendly school is caring and protective of all children It is said to be caring and protective of all children when it...

• Safeguards and provides security for children

• Helps defend and protect children from harm and abuse

• Encourages children to care for each other

• Does not tolerate physical punishment on children

• Has clear guidelines for conduct between students and does not allow bullying 5. A child-friendly school involves children’s families and the community It is said to involve families and the community when it...

• Works closely with children’s families

• Consults parents and invites their opinions regarding school policies and activities • Holds regular dialogues with parents regarding their children’s learning progress • Collaborates with parents to encourage their children to practice at home what they are learning in school

• Cares as much as parents that children get enough nutrition and are in good health • Cares about the children’s safety not only within the school premises but also on their way to and from school

A CHILD-FRIENDY SCHOOL SHOULD ASPIRE FOR THESE SEVEN (7) GOALS:

• Encourage children’s participation in school and community

• Enhance children’s health and well-being

• Guarantee safe and protective spaces for children

• Encourage enrolment and completion

• Ensure children’s high academic achievement and success

• Raise teacher’s morale and motivation

• Mobilize support from the community

Schools have an obligation to provide a school environment that is safe, inclusive, and friendly for all the learners.

To become a child friendly school, it is link with the collaboration with the parents and community. Learners will engage more to participate in different activities, they are motivated to learn new thing and ideas, improved academic performance, develop the skills and talents, and trust will take place to its environment.

The author is Teacher

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III at Cutcut Elementary School