How should teachers react when children seek help? How can they intervene when their pupils are in danger?

In a two-day workshop, our three Tanzanian partner schools involved in the child protection project addressed these questions – with the entire teaching staff participating. In role-playing exercises, teachers put themselves in the shoes of girls and boys seeking help. They critically examined their own reactions and considered the profound impact their behavior and decisions have on the lives of the children entrusted to their care. The conclusion of several participants was that something has to change. “Many students are additionally hurt by the way we treat them when they come to us for advice,” one teacher sums it up. That is why, above all, open and empathetic listening must be learned and strengthened.

Many thanks to Engagement Global/BMZ and the TOOLS FOR LIFE Foundation for supporting the project!