#1 Co-Designing Safer Schools: Reflections from a Two-Day Workshop - by Leon Reuss
In November 2024, I had the privilege of facilitating a two-day workshop aimed at addressing one of the most pressing challenges in education today: creating safe learning environments by tackling corporal punishment and improving safeguarding incident reporting. This workshop, organized under the auspices of Save the Children, brought together diverse voices to co-design solutions that prioritize children’s safety and well-being in schools.
The event was structured to maximize collaboration and impact. The first day focused on discussions with educators, representatives from the Ministry of Education, school administrators, and colleagues from Save the Children. Together, we explored research findings and shared ideas to identify key barriers and opportunities for change. The second day shifted focus to children themselves, as eight young participants engaged in activities designed to capture their unique perspectives and solutions. Their insights reinforced the importance of centering children’s voices in any effort to create safer schools.
At the heart of the workshop was the presentation of findings from our formative research. This research highlighted the persistence of corporal punishment in schools and the critical need to rethink reporting mechanisms. Corporal punishment, as defined internationally, includes any punishment involving physical force intended to cause discomfort or pain—such as hitting, kicking, or forcing children into uncomfortable positions—as well as non-physical forms of degrading treatment. Despite progress in legislation, with 12 African countries - including Zambia - having banned corporal punishment as of 2022, its habitual use remains deeply entrenched.
Our research revealed that corporal punishment often persists because it is habitual. Many educators resort to it because alternative methods of discipline are not yet second nature. This challenge is compounded by societal norms that view corporal punishment as effective in managing immediate situations, whereas non-punitive approaches are often perceived as less impactful. Similarly, significant barriers exist in reporting safeguarding incidents. Fear of retaliation prevents many from coming forward, and strong community norms—where reporting is seen as betraying a friend or family member—discourage action.
Our workshop aimed to tackle these issues head-on. We explored ways to reduce the prevalence of corporal punishment by proactively addressing its root causes. This included developing strategies to break habitual behaviors and providing educators with practical, alternative discipline techniques. At the same time, we discussed how to improve safeguarding reporting systems to make them more effective, accessible, and child-friendly. This dual focus is essential to ensure transparency, respond to abuse concerns, and ultimately prevent harm to children.
One of the most valuable outcomes of the workshop was the opportunity to validate existing approaches while identifying new solutions. For example, some schools are already implementing child-friendly reporting mechanisms, such as suggestion boxes for learners to raise concerns anonymously. Many also have committees, including student-led groups, that provide platforms for organizing and voicing issues. These initiatives align well with our goals and highlight the importance of building on what already works. Additionally, the workshop deepened our understanding of the barriers educators and children face, which will help us refine our strategies.
Looking ahead, the solutions co-designed during these two days offer promising pathways for change. Our next step will be testing these interventions in the field to ensure they are contextually appropriate and effective. The ultimate goal is to create schools where every child feels safe, supported, and empowered to thrive.
Ending corporal punishment and fostering a culture of safeguarding in education is a complex challenge that requires collaboration, persistence, and a commitment to listening to those most affected. This workshop was a testament to the power of collective action and co-design. As we move forward, I remain inspired by the energy and insights of everyone involved, particularly the children whose voices remain at the center of this work.
