The CSC kicked-off 2011 with one of the first workshops in its pilot program: "Yes to Violence-Free Schools." The program's aim is to reduce violence, both physical and verbal, in schools in the Nablus district. Activities began in Tariq Ibn Ziyad Boys' School in October. Meetings were held with students and teachers to raise awareness about the causes and effects of violence and fun activities were facilitated to make the program exciting for the students.

 

Tuesday was the first off-site activity for the teachers of Tariq Ibn Ziyad in which they traveled to Sebastia, a village to the west of Nablus. They participated in a workshop in which they discussed the level and kind of physical punishment experienced in the past, and how they deal with unruly students today as well as the causes of violent and disruptive behavior.

All teachers made goals for themselves as small steps to reduce violence and aggressive behavior in their school. After the workshop the teachers were given the chance to explore Sebastia and its many historical sites dating back to the pre-Christian Romans.

Despite the rainy weather typical of January in Palestine, all participants enjoyed themselves and got a chance to remove themselves from their daily routine and work-related stress to make a common effort to provide a better atmosphere for children in their school.