A Manifesto ِAgainst Violence in Schools

Putting an end to violence in schools all over the world and reiterating the right for every child to be safe in school, this is one of the key objectives of this manifesto. In December 2018, more than hundred children and adolescents gathered in in Johannesburg, South Africa to develop an #ENDviolence Youth Manifesto. UNICEF, Global Citizen and Junior Chamber International (JCI) together hosted this Youth Workshop on ending violence in and around schools during the African Youth Development Summit. 

The goal of the event was to have a Manifesto developed by and for the youth, including genuine practical responses for ending violence in and around schools. Such an experience also exposed the participating students to the nature of policy formation and development in an environment where they can learn from one another and share their thoughts and opinions.  

Among more than hundred children and young people from around the world, 21-year-old Nourham Saber who studies law at Helwan University represented Egypt. She was selected by UNICEF Egypt in recognition of her volunteering efforts in the #ImAgainstBullying campaign, the first national campaign on bullying in Egypt.  

When she was young, Nourham faced bullying repeatedly. “I went to 7 different schools in different countries and cities,” said Nourham, “each had a different challenge, and a different type of bullying. But if I didn’t have hope, I wouldn’t be here today”.  

Within the Youth Manifesto, students highlighted the importance and need for protection within schools. They called for legal measures to keep students safe. After an introductory session, they were divided into smaller groups to draft 1-2 sentences on each group’s designated theme. 

The theme chosen by Nourham’s group was “the necessity of making rules and establishing laws restricting weapons use in the schools’ environment”.  For her academic background as a law student, she was elected by her group members to present their draft.  

After writing the Manifesto, the participants had the chance to attend a one-of-a-kind performance. Beyonce, Jay Z, Ed Sheeran, Usher, and many other singers closed up the Global Citizen Festival at Johannesburg, and Nourham and her new friends got free invitations.  

 “The whole trip was a life-changing experience. The special moments were uncountable. Outside the meetings and discussions, I had the opportunity to connect with many great persons from around the world on so many levels. I even had the chance to attend a concert for some of my favorite performers!” 

Nourham is one of many young people around the world who aspire for safe schools and an end to violence. This message came out clearly in September 2018 when UNICEF received more than a million responses from over 160 countries via a digital campaign asking youth what they need for a better future. 

Because Education Ministers with the most direct influence on making schools safer need to hear from young people, the Manifesto will be part of the agenda of the Education World Forum taking place in London on January 22nd 2019.