Efforts to build safer, more inclusive schools in Zambia took centre stage yesterday as Zambart hosted the Ministry of Education officials for the dissemination of baseline findings on abuse and HIV stigma and discrimination in boarding schools from the Total School Approach (TSA) Study.
The TSA Study was being implemented by Zambart in partnership with the University of Southern California, with support from the United States National Institutes of Health.
The study aimed to pilot and evaluated a “Total School Approach” to addressing safeguarding, including preventing abuse and HIV-related stigma and discrimination within the safeguarding framework linking to national guidelines and the Child Protection Act.
The study aims to equip young people with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves while fostering a safe and supportive environment for learners, teachers, and support staff, regardless of their HIV status.
Speaking during the dissemination meeting, Ministry of Education officials commended Zambart and its partners for their commitment to creating safer and more inclusive learning environments for young people. The Ministry acknowledged the importance of a total school approach that includes teachers, support staff and learners.
The Ministry further expressed appreciation for the collaborative approach adopted by the study, noting that the findings will contribute to informing future policies and programmes aimed at improving learner wellbeing, promoting inclusion, and ensuring that schools remain safe spaces for all.
The dissemination of the baseline study findings was led by Study Manager Gracious Witola, who presented the results to officials from the Ministry of Education.