Neftaly: Creating a Culture of Safety Through Local School Programs in Informal Settlements

1. Introduction

Schools in informal settlements are more than just places of learning—they are central to community life and powerful platforms for social change. By embedding safety education into everyday learning and activities, schools can lead the way in fostering a culture of safety that extends beyond classrooms into homes and neighborhoods. Neftaly promotes local school programs as key drivers of long-term safety and resilience in informal settlements.

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2. Purpose

To develop and support school-based initiatives that promote safety awareness, risk reduction, and preparedness among students, teachers, and the broader community in informal settlements.

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3. Objectives

• Integrate safety education into school curricula and extracurricular activities.
• Empower children and youth as safety ambassadors in their communities.
• Build school environments that are safe, inclusive, and responsive to local risks.
• Strengthen the connection between schools, families, and local authorities in promoting community-wide safety.

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4. Core Elements of School-Based Safety Programs

4.1. Safety Education in the Classroom

• Incorporate topics such as fire safety, first aid, hygiene and sanitation, road safety, and disaster preparedness into lessons.
• Use age-appropriate materials including stories, games, videos, and role-plays.
• Include practical activities like making emergency kits and drawing hazard maps.

4.2. Extracurricular Activities and Clubs

• Establish Student Safety Clubs to lead awareness campaigns and peer education.
• Organize safety-themed days (e.g. Fire Safety Day, Clean Water Week).
• Promote creative expression through art, drama, and music focused on safety topics.

4.3. Safe School Environment

• Conduct regular safety inspections and implement basic improvements (e.g. clean toilets, fire exits, safe drinking water).
• Train teachers and staff in emergency response and child protection.
• Ensure inclusive policies that protect all students, including girls, children with disabilities, and those from marginalized backgrounds.

4.4. School-Community Engagement

• Involve parents and caregivers in safety workshops and meetings.
• Invite community leaders and safety professionals (firefighters, health workers) to speak to students.
• Use school spaces to host broader community safety awareness events.

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5. Roles and Responsibilities

• Teachers: Deliver safety content, model safe behaviors, and guide students in activities.
• Students: Participate actively in learning, share safety knowledge at home, and engage in peer education.
• School Management: Support program implementation, ensure infrastructure is safe, and liaise with external partners.
• Parents/Community: Reinforce safety messages at home and collaborate with schools on safety initiatives.

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6. Tools and Resources

• Neftaly safety education toolkit (lesson plans, posters, games).
• First aid kits and basic emergency supplies.
• Teacher training guides and facilitator manuals.
• Reporting tools for tracking incidents or hazards in and around schools.

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7. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Track student knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors before and after program implementation.
• Monitor the frequency and nature of school-related safety incidents.
• Collect feedback from students, teachers, and parents to continuously improve the program.

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8. Conclusion

By nurturing a culture of safety in schools, informal settlements can take a major step toward lasting, community-wide change. When children understand how to stay safe—and are empowered to share that knowledge—they become the heart of safer, more resilient communities. Neftaly supports schools as vital partners in building this future.