Faced with budget shortfalls and street gang violence, educators in Honduras are seeking greater protection and support – with UNHCR’s backing.
Under a comprehensive regional support and protection programme developed by UNHCR and regional governments – known by its Spanish acronym MIRPS – the Government of Honduras is committed to “formulating and implementing a prevention and protection strategy for schools” by 2020 within the Ministry of Education.
With UNHCR support, teachers have begun working to improve safety and conditions in schools. First, UNHCR is helping them develop protection measures and security protocols both for staff and the students themselves. They are creating communication networks among themselves and school administrators to report issues and warnings to protect teachers and students.
Through a partnership with Doctors Without Borders, dozens of teachers have been trained in psychological first response for students struggling with effects of violence. UNHCR officials have trained teachers how to protect themselves, students or families that have been displaced by violence.
Given the risk levels in the school environment, the government has established response mechanisms that include the increase of security forces presence in critical schools. Recently, it was launched the “securing education” programme, with support for violence prevention from the United States.
“We know we have a huge responsibility in educating the new generations of the country, but it’s hard to do it well with the current state of things. But we also know that without better education, our country will never advance,” said Carlos Garcia, the school administrator.
Original source: UNHCR
Published on 30 July 2018
