The Ministry of Education is expanding its Model Safe School Programme to secondary schools, with two institutions selected to take part in a pilot this month.

The initiative, launched in 2018, has so far focused largely on primary schools, where 15 trained safety agents are currently assigned to nine schools.

Education Officer for Schools Administration and Safe Schools focal point Rolston Nickeo said the programme aims to help schools identify and reduce risks before they become emergencies.

Speaking on Observer Radio, he said the programme focuses on four areas: risk identification, emergency preparedness, student and staff protection, and safer school infrastructure.

Nickeo said the initiative is intended to move schools away from simply reacting to incidents towards building a stronger culture of prevention and resilience.

Safety agents are not teachers or conventional security officers. Their duties include monitoring school compounds for hazards, engaging with students and helping to prevent conflicts from escalating.

The agents received two weeks of induction training covering areas including conflict resolution, child protection, incident reporting and first aid.

The secondary school pilot will allow the ministry to assess how the programme can be adapted to the needs of older students before any wider expansion.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Secondary Schools Join Model Safe School Programme in New Pilot.