Teachers, Schools and Communities: Strengthening Safe Spaces

The effects of insecurity on local schools in El Salvador has only been acknowledged relatively recently. In light of the complex situation of insecurity in El Salvador, numerous government and non-government organizations (NGO) have developed interventions in public schools with the objective of preventing violence and gang affiliation. The range of implementers span multiple government agencies, NGOs (national and international), as well as smaller (in both scope and budget) local institutions, such as churches, community associations, private sector actors, municipal offices and neighborhood councils.

This study delves into the lessons learned from these diverse experiences in preventing risk situations from getting out of control and contributing to making the school an insecure place. More specifically, it aims to understand how local social relations and dynamics can facilitate positive school environments and education in contexts of insecurity and gang presence, and to develop an intervention framework for strengthening prevention initiatives through incorporating these relations and dynamics in the design and implementation processes.