It takes more than tougher security measures or blanket social media bans to prevent violence in schools.
That was the message of Roman Catholic leaders in Eastern Samar as they forge a partnership with education officials for a "values-based" system of steering the province's youth away from violence and extremism.
Leaders of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Borongan signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) in the province for the implementation of Project SARIG (Strengthening Maka-Diyos and Maka-Tao Core Values Through Voluntary Catechism Sessions for Holistic Learner Wellness) last August 26.
The program aims to provide voluntary catechism sessions in public schools.
This is to complement DepEd's Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) and Values Education curriculum and promote the spiritual, moral, emotional, and social well-being of learners.
Under the partnership, volunteer catechists will conduct voluntary sessions in public schools in coordination with school officials, reinforcing core values while complementing existing DepEd programs.
“It is designed to support holistic learner development while ensuring that catechetical activities do not replace or interfere with the regular curriculum,” the DepEd said in a statement.
Both DepEd and the Diocese of Borongan expressed their commitment to sustaining the partnership and strengthening values-driven education for learners across Eastern Samar.
(With report from PNA/OpinYon News Team)