"Exploring the Idea of Schools as SecureEnvironments: Initial Measures"
The city of Essen has taken a significant step towards ensuring the safety of its schools with the approval of the "School as a Safe Place" concept in July 2025. This initiative, spearheaded by Muchtar Al Ghusain, Deputy Mayor for Youth, Education, and Culture, aims to increase security at schools across the city.
The concept is divided into two main categories: structural-technical and preventive-pedagogical measures. In the structural-technical domain, approximately 14 schools with a total of 682 doors will be equipped with lock cylinders that allow for quick and secure locking in case of danger. To facilitate emergency services' orientation, main entrances of these schools will also be fitted with new signs displaying the correct name and address of the school.
The costs for these structural-technical measures in the pilot phase amount to approximately 147,400 euros. Further measures, such as additional alarm systems or visual barriers, are currently being examined, with the city council expected to decide on their implementation in its September session.
In parallel with the structural adaptations, two preventive-pedagogical measures will be started. One of these measures is the theater-pedagogical program "My Body Belongs to Me," which will be permanently funded for all third-grade classes in primary and special schools in Essen. The details of the second preventive-pedagogical measure have not been specified in the provided text.
The effectiveness of these measures will be continuously monitored to further develop the concept as needed. To this end, the results from the evaluations will be used to refine the concept, and the effectiveness will be evaluated annually.
Further information about the "School as a Safe Place" concept can be found in the documents "Document 1100/2025/4" and "Document 0513/2025/4." Additionally, around 21 schools have agreed to introduce violence prevention programs during the pilot phase.
It's worth noting that the measure to prevent sexual violence at elementary schools in Essen, which is financed permanently and will be introduced in all third-grade classes at elementary and special schools, is not explicitly detailed in the provided search results.
The city of Essen's commitment to the safety and well-being of its students is evident in the implementation of the "School as a Safe Place" concept. By combining structural-technical and preventive-pedagogical measures, the city aims to create a safer environment for its students, fostering an atmosphere of learning and growth.
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