Bavarian and South African Police in joint workshops
How to improve safety in schools, and grow trust in the police
Experiential learning exercises
HSS; HSS
Workshops with a focus on learning for real life
At two knowledge exchange workshops held with officials from the South African Police Service SAPS, Bavarian State Police and the Justice and Violence Prevention Program of the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) last week, German Police officers shared with SAPS station commanders and social crime prevention officers from many areas in South Africa practical and interactive prevention scenarios for schools.
Small group work
HSS; HSS
Sharing experience and practical training examples
Presentations and discussions focussed on supporting children from age 3 to 18, building trust, providing conflict management guidance, and directing kids in need to other services when necessary. Training methods for youth officers were explored as well - and the engagements included practical role plays.
Discussing exercises and role-plays
ISS; ISS
Experiencing interactive exercises and reflection times
A youth officer from Munich shared a social-rejection exercise which is used in schools at times. Participants discussed questions they could ask learners afterwards:
Why do we exclude others? What are the consequences of exclusion for the victim?
Workshops happened in Hammanskraal and Paarl
HSS; HSS
A high potential international collaboration
The SAPS police schools in Paarl and Hammanskraal, and many committed SAPS officers, displayed a welcoming hospitality and participated with very active engagement.
The South African Police Service expressed its appreciation in several social media posts explicitly as well.
Next steps in this series of exchange events are currently being conceptualized - to facilitate an important cooperation.
Discussing future cooperation with Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng MEC for Education
HSF; HSF
Exploring cooperation with Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi
In a recent meeting with Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng Education MEC, school safety was one of the topics discussed as a potential focus area for future cooperation. It had previously been explored as one of the key themes during a delegation visit to Germany with the MEC which was hosted by the HSF earlier this year.