White Ribbon Australia is looking forward to another exciting year as the Breaking the Silence Schools Program continues to gather momentum, building on the success of 2013.
With more exciting resources currently being developed, have a look at our video collaboration with some of our wonderful White Ribbon Ambassadors and students of Gymea Bay. Accompanying resources to come.
School wins
38 NSW schools became new White Ribbon Schools and the Program’s significant social impact was seen.
Since implementing the White Ribbon schools program “suspensions relating to bullying and aggressive and violent behaviour have decreased by 80 per cent”. Ray Pooley, Principal, White Ribbon Ambassador, Sans Souci Primary School.
Breaking the Silence was recognised as one of five finalists for the Organisation Award of the HESTA Community Sector Awards and White Ribbon Australia commended for “building awareness about violence against women among young people in a sensitive and proactive way.”
The program was also recently celebrates as a State and Territory Winner of the 2013 Australian Crime and Violence Prevention Awards.
More about the program
Adaptable to both primary and secondary schools, the program is run free of charge and provides school leaders with the strategies and resources to effect cultural change in school communities by embedding models of respectful relationships.
With the support of Suzanne Grae, Avon Australia and the Lord Mayors Charitable Foundation, 2014 will see this unique leadership program delivered throughout NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.
The year will provide new opportunities for professional development and sharing of best practise for school staff, with the expansion our youth programs also providing opportunities for leadership at a student level and beyond.
Information sessions to be held throughout February and March 2014. For more information on White Ribbon Australia’s Youth Programs and to register your interest in Breaking the Silence, please visit www.whiteribbon.org.au/schools or contact National Program Manager, Jennifer Mullen at schools@whiteribbon.org.au.
