The Educational Safety Service Marks Its Second Anniversary: Advancing Safety, Dialogue, and Cooperation

Creating a safe school environment today goes far beyond implementing rules and safety procedures. Increasingly, it is built on trust, open dialogue, and the development of constructive communication skills. These principles are at the heart of the Educational Safety Service (ESS)-a joint initiative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine and the National Police of Ukraine, which celebrates its second anniversary on 1 April 2026.

Every day, ESS officers work closely with children and young people to help create a safe and supportive educational environment. Particularly valuable is their active involvement in initiatives led by the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation, combining school safety efforts with the promotion of dialogue, mutual understanding, and responsible communication.

The educational tools developed by the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation are increasingly being used in the daily work of ESS officers. These include the EQ Jenga game, the stories of Rota and Dema, and other learning materials that help children explore complex topics in an engaging and accessible way while fostering emotional intelligence and communication skills.

At the end of March, ESS officers took part in a specialised training programme dedicated to mediation and methods of teaching mediation concepts to children as part of the "Lessons of Peace and Justice" initiative. Participants explored practical approaches to explaining complex ideas in child-friendly language, creating a space for open dialogue, and encouraging an environment where every child feels safe to express their thoughts.

The partnership between the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation and the Educational Safety Service continues to promote peaceful conflict resolution practices and strengthen a culture of mutual respect in educational institutions across Ukraine.

Schools interested in hosting a "Lessons of Peace and Justice" session in partnership with Educational Safety Service officers are welcome to contact the Ukrainian Academy of Mediation. The Academy's team will be pleased to help organise such a meeting.