East-West International School (EWIS) recently hosted a two-day seminar focused on child protection, bringing together educators from various schools and partnering with Encompass-Safeguarding to enhance safeguarding measures for school-going children. The event, held on November 22-23, featured renowned child protection expert Sian Jorgenson and included a Designated Safeguarding Lead Level 3 certification and training on managing child protection enquiries.
Building upon the success of the Level 1 Safeguarding event hosted by the Child Protection Unit of Cambodian Children’s Fund in August, the recent seminar aimed to empower teachers, counsellors, and educational leaders with contextually relevant skills to ensure the safety and well-being of children in schools. Through the use of case studies, group discussions, and practical tasks, participants gained real-world insights and strategies to effectively address child protection concerns.
The workshop brought together educators from Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, highlighting a collective commitment to safeguarding children in educational environments. The inclusive participation from various schools fostered a shared understanding and common language for child protection measures. Sharon Gibbons, Secondary Counselor at the Australian International School of Phnom Penh, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “It is collaborating with others and sharing experiences that are very beneficial.”
Leading the initiative, Landon Seigler, Middle School Principal and Designated Safeguarding Lead at East-West International School, expressed his enthusiasm and commitment to making a difference in the lives of children in Cambodia. The diverse participation contributed to the richness of discussions and the exchange of best practices, further enhancing the overall impact of the seminar.
Following the success of the Child Protection Symposium in August and the Designated Safeguarding event, East-West International School and Encompass-Safeguarding expressed their dedication to continuing child protection initiatives. Plans are already underway for the second annual Child Protection Symposium, scheduled for October or November 2024, which will bring together experts in the field to further strengthen child protection measures across educational institutions. This ongoing commitment demonstrates a proactive approach to providing educators with the necessary knowledge and tools to create safe and nurturing environments for children.
East-West International School takes pride in fostering a safe and secure learning environment, and events like the recent seminar play a crucial role in achieving their mission of academic excellence in a caring environment. The collaborative efforts between EWIS, Encompass-Safeguarding, and other educational institutions in Cambodia reflect a shared commitment towards empowering child protection measures and ensuring the well-being of students. By prioritizing child protection, educators are actively working towards creating an inclusive and secure educational landscape for all children in the country.
Source: Khmer Times
