LLI-506 The safe environment for pupils and teachers – the basis for quality education (Safe school)

Project Duration: 01.05.2020 - 30.04.2022

Project ERDF Financing: 384 697.86 EUR

Project call: 3rd call

The project will raise awareness among pupils and teachers of the actions to be taken in different situations that may endanger the safety of students on both sides of the border.

Project will improve students’ knowledge of the traffic regulation and the need to comply with it, safe use of internet and how to manage conflict situations. Safe environment will be ensured not only at school, but also on the way to it by improving infrastructure – creating video surveillance systems in the territories of Jēkabpils, Iecava, Jonišķis and Pakruojis schools and surroundings, improving Pakruojis district Žeimelis gymnasium lighting, installing school fences in Pakruojis and Jēkabpils schools, as well as by installing high-speed radars at Iecava Secondary School territory. The project’s activities include six training cycles for 180 education specialists, experience exchange seminars, 8 training seminars on potential risks and dangers on the internet, as well as four trainings to reduce peer violence through the drama method. Also One-day orienteering competition for students will be organised in Jēkabpils, Pakruojis, Jonišķis as well as Iecava to inform the public about the work done and the improvements made during the project. As a result of the project, new momentum will be found to address the issue of violence in schools and society, as well as to create a safer environment.

View project on map

Contacts Project news Social media feeds Partners structure Calendar Project results

Social media and contacts:
Phone: +371 630 27549
E-mail: zpr@zpr.gov.lv
Website: www.zemgale.lv
Address: Katoļu 2b, Jelgava, Latvia

12 November 2021

Learning the experience of project partners in Lithuania

To find out the successful experience in the fight against emotional and physical violence among young people, the team of Zemgale Planning Region project LLI-506 “Safe School” and representatives of schools involved in the project went to Joniskis “Saules” Basic school in Lithuania.

Since 2011, Joniskis “Saules” Basic School has been implementing the world-renowned Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, which is designed to improve peer relationships and make schools safer and better places for students. The goals of the program include the reduction of existing problems of student violence and the timely prevention of new situations. The essence of the program is to teach all school staff to notice and recognize violence, as well as to respond accordingly. In Joniskis “Saules” Basic School, not only the school staff but also the students and their parents are involved in the implementation of the program. When the program was launched, the level of violence at school was 28.1%, but a survey of pupils in 2020 showed that it had fallen to 2.9%.

As Joniskis “Saules” Basic School also has a special education department for children with moderate and significant mental disorders, the school operates in the International program for children with special educational needs: “Zipio Friends”. This program teaches how to overcome everyday emotional difficulties such as rejection, loneliness, violence, etc. It helps to understand and encourage to talk about feelings and find ways to deal with them. Children learn empathy, friendship, asking for help and accepting it.

The school also works on the implementation of other programs aimed at the physical and emotional health of students, personal growth, and the preservation of a safe school environment. The goals of the Safe School project are not only to create a safe environment at school, but also to provide students with the knowledge they need outside of it – on the way to and from school, when using internet and learning to develop personal safety skills. Zemgale Planning Region as the leading partner of the project is happy to visit and establish cooperation with an educational institution that cares for the emotional, physical and mental well-being of young people and that works to ensure an appropriate environment and increasing students’ skills.

All project activities are aimed at increasing the understanding, knowledge and practical skills among students and teachers in preventing or reducing various security threats, which in general allows to create a safe and friendly school environment in each of the municipalities. The total funding of the project is 452,585.75 euros, including ERDF funding – 384,697.86 euros.

This article has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this article are the sole responsibility of Zemgale Planning Region and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.

Partners work for a safe environment for students

In the Interreg V-A Latvia – Lithuania Programme 2014-2020 programme project LLI-506 “The safe environment for pupils and teachers – the basis for quality education” (Safe School) project management and steering group meetings were held, during which the partners informed for what has been done so far.

Iecava municipality has deployed speed radars and a surveillance network with 32 cameras. Purchased equipment for safe traffic training – bicycles, helmets, as well as imitation obstacles, which you may have to overcome while riding a bicycle. In the next periods of the project, Iecava municipality plans to create a safe driving training area with various elements that will be suitable for people of any age who want to improve their cycling skills.

Joniškis Primary School “Saule” has implemented various events within the framework of the European Mobility Week, during which information about the project was provided, as well as various activities were organized with the participation of representatives of the city municipality, police officers, teachers and students. In the continuation of the project, the primary school “Saule” will organize procurements for the improvement of the sports field and the development of the video surveillance system of the territory. The school is planning to purchase 55 video surveillance cameras, of which 23 will be located inside the school, but 22 outside. It is also planned to introduce additional security measures online by installing antivirus, antispyware programs, mail filters and other tools.

In addition, project partners in the Pakroja region municipality are implementing the project activities – they have installed video surveillance systems in three district educational institutions, purchased games for stress management and emotional health, as well as equipment for first aid training.

Kick-off meeting of the project took place

In May 2020, a partnership agreement was concluded within the framework of the Interreg V-A Latvia–Lithuania Programme 2014–2020 for implementation of the project LLI – 506 “The safe environment for pupils and teachers – the basis for quality education”/Safe school. The project partners are Zemgale Planning Region (Lead partner), Jekabpils Municipality, Administration of Iecava County Municipality, Pakruojis District Municipality Administration and Joniskis ”Saules” Basic school. The project will raise awareness among pupils and teachers of the actions to be taken in different situations that may endanger the safety of students on both sides of the border.

On 1st July Kick-off meeting of the project took place in Jelgava, Latvia. During the meeting, the project lead partner team provided information about the project, it`s activities, aims and vision. All the project partners informed about their institution’s work, the project vision and communication guidelines. All partners discussed scheduled works in the 1st and 2nd period and upcoming activities time plan and agreed on the next appointment date. The project team welcomed face-to-face encounters and wished good luck in implementing the project.