ActionAid Ghana Launches Activista Safe School Clubs to Promote Peace and Safe Learning Environments in Upper East Region
In a bold step towards promoting peaceful, inclusive and resilient learning environments, ActionAid Ghana's Upper East Regional Programme, in partnership with Activista Ghana, has launched the Activista Safe School Club (SSC), a pioneering youth-led initiative designed to strengthen peacebuilding, conflict prevention and responsible student leadership across Senior High Schools and Technical Institutes in the Upper East Region.
Launched under the theme, "Promoting Safer Schools Through Youth-Led Initiatives, Peacebuilding and Collective Action," the initiative responds to growing concerns over student unrest and school-based violence by placing young people at the centre of building solutions. The launch, coupled with regional stakeholder engagement convened more than 75 participants representing the Ghana Education Service (GES), National Peace Council, National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Ghana Police Service, National Youth Authority (NYA), Conference of Heads of Assisted Senior High Schools (CHASS), Regional Coordinating Council, TVET institutions, Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs), teacher patrons, Activista leaders and student representatives to collectively chart a path towards safer schools.
The stakeholder engagement provided a platform for dialogue and collaboration on practical strategies to create safe, inclusive, and violence-free learning environments. Participants jointly developed implementation plans around the five pillars of the Safe School Club Model: Peacebuilding and Violence Prevention; Psychosocial Learning and Student Wellbeing; Leadership and Active Citizenship; Gender Equality and Child Protection; and Environmental Stewardship and Climate Action.
During the engagement, stakeholders expressed concern over the increasing cases of student unrest in some Senior High Schools within the Upper East Region and emphasized the need for coordinated preventive action. Representatives from the Ghana Education Service, National Peace Council, Ghana Police Service, National Commission for Civic Education, National Youth Authority, and CHASS highlighted the importance of responsible student leadership, civic participation, dialogue, guidance and counselling, and strong partnerships between schools, parents, and communities in preventing violence and promoting peaceful coexistence.
The launch marks the introduction of the first Safe School Club model within ActionAid Ghana's regional programming, reflecting AAG's commitment to advancing youth leadership, social justice and participatory governance while creating learning spaces where every learner feels safe, respected and empowered.
Speaking at the event, ActionAid Ghana Upper East Regional Programme Manager, Mr. Akuka Yakubu, described the Safe School Club as a transformative youth-led initiative that will empower students to become ambassadors of peace, gender equality, responsible citizenship, and environmental stewardship. He called for sustained institutional support, policy integration, and the expansion of the initiative to more schools across the region.
The Regional Coordinator of Activista Ghana, Mr. Nicholas Azebire, noted that the initiative comes at a crucial time, following recent incidents of student violence in parts of the region. He challenged students to become part of the solution by using their leadership, creativity, and influence to build peaceful and inclusive school communities. He also reaffirmed Activista Ghana’s commitment to mobilizing young people to advocate for social justice, gender equality, and accountable leadership.
A key highlight of the event was the official pledge by Safe School Club members, who committed themselves to promoting peace, unity, and responsible citizenship within their schools and communities. Participants also developed practical action plans to guide the implementation of Safe School Club activities in the ten pilot schools.
So far, the Activista Safe School Club initiative has been rolled out in 10 pilot institutions, comprising eight Senior High Schools and two Technical Institutes—across the Upper East Region. To date, 10 Safe School Clubs have been established, engaging 500 student members supported by 10 teacher patrons. The clubs comprise 300 boys (60%) and 200 girls (40%), with each school hosting 50 student members. The higher participation of boys reflects the programme's deliberate focus on engaging male students in peacebuilding and violence prevention, recognizing the importance of working with those most likely to influence school safety and positive behavioural change.
At it core, the Activista Safe School Clubs represents a significant step towards empowering young people to lead positive change while contributing to safer, more inclusive, and resilient learning environments. At ActionAid Ghana, we believe every child deserves to learn in a safe, peaceful, and inclusive environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential. ActionAid Ghana envisions scaling the model to other programme areas across the country, ensuring that schools remain spaces where every learner can thrive free from fear, violence, and discrimination.
Written by Sebastian Alesane.