Strengthening Safe School
Project Title: Strengthening Safe School Environments for Girls
Implementing Organization: Similar Ground
Location: Bidibidi Refugee Settlement (Zones 4 & 5)
Funder: UNHCR
Background
The project aimed to improve school safety and referral mechanisms for girls and children with protection concerns through capacity building, peer engagement, and community-based reporting systems. This was in response to high rates of school dropout, early pregnancy, and unreported SGBV cases within school environments.
Key Activity: Strengthening School-Based Referral Pathways
In collaboration with 5 primary schools and the District Education Office, we trained 20 teachers (50% female) on child protection, referral protocols, and gender-sensitive response. We also supported the formation of school-based Child Help Teams, composed of teachers, trained focal pupils, and parent representatives. These teams meet biweekly to identify, support, and refer vulnerable learners in a safe and confidential manner.
A simplified and child-friendly Referral Flowchart was co-created with the children and printed in both English and Arabic. It was displayed in classrooms, staff rooms, and community noticeboards to ensure children and community members understand how and where to report concerns without fear or stigma.
Learning Highlight
Before this, we were not sure how to report SGBV cases in school,” said Mary, a teacher at Ayivu Primary School. “Now, even pupils know where to go if something is wrong. It’s become part of the school culture to protect each other.”
Each quarter alone, 17 cases are identified and safely referred, including absenteeism linked to domestic violence, threats of early marriage, and psychosocial distress. We worked closely with partners to ensure timely response through a strengthened protection network in schools and communities.