Views and Opinions of Teachers in the Implementation of Child Protection Program of Lun Padidu National High School: Basis for Child Protection Enhancement Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

A safe learning environment is essential for students of all ages. Teachers are responsible for providing an environment for quality teaching and learning process to happen. Lun Padidu National High School has implemented the Child Protection Policy since 2012 but there was no evaluation. Evaluation is necessary to determine the strengths and weaknesses of the programs that need to be addressed for the welfare of the learners.

METHODS

The research was qualitative utilizing ten respondents using a semi-structured interview. Colaizzi (1978) method was used to analyze the data from the interview through the identification of themes.

RESULTS

From the views and opinions of teachers on the implementation of CPP in four themes emerged: protection, inculcate positive attitude, lack of information dissemination and absence of training. The CPP serves as a shield of learners from any forms of violence caused by their peers or school personnel as reflected by the response of RP3, "students are protected because the students, parents and even teachers have better understanding on the do's and don'ts implemented by the school”. From the interview, the program can inculcate a positive attitude not only to the students but also to the community. RP1 said that "parents develop trust and confidence to the school as a safe environment and second home for their children since they fully entrust their children in school to acquire not only knowledge and skills but most importantly good values and attitudes”. The CPP is not fully disseminated to the students as well as to the parents which are attested by RP6 in her statement, "parents are not well informed about CPP because I have observed that during the homeroom meeting where the policies of the school are discussed many parents are not around “. CPP is not just a mere program that can be handled by anyone without undertaking a series of training or seminars. And this is seen in the statement of RP9, "teachers are the front row of the program however we are not fully equipped to implement the program because there are no in-service training to make us more competent in handling cases of violence or bullying."

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the findings, Lun Padidu National High School has implemented the CPP as stipulated by the Department of Education. However, the result suggests the need to strengthen the program in its information dissemination and capacity building of teachers. Thus, an enhancement program was designed.