More schools sign up for coalition

The Safe Schools Coalition Victoria (SSCV) added two new members last week, with Sandringham College and Ballarat High School joining to mark International Day Against Homophobia (IDAHO) on May 17.

Seven months after its launch, SSCV now has 31 schools across Victoria in the coalition aimed at tackling homophobia in the state education system.

SSCV coordinator Roz Ward said she was excited to have both institutions added to the growing list.

“It is a strong united front against homophobia in schools,” she said.

“[They] recognise the negative impact homophobia has on the lives of young people, teachers and school staff.”

SSCV was launched in October 2010, in partnership with the Rainbow Network and the Foundation for Young Australians.

The project was funded with $80,000 for one year by the Victorian Department of Education and Early Childhood Development following statistics that revealed 60 percent of same-sex attracted youth have experienced verbal or physical abuse, with 80 percent of this abuse happening in schools.

The aim of the coalition is to create inclusive school environments by improving training for teachers on homophobic bullying, providing a space for sharing resources, and building peer networks that are supportive of all students, regardless of their sexual orientation.

“We know that effective school-based programs that address homophobia in schools and support teachers in dealing with this challenge can really make a difference,” Ward said.

More than 1100 students, student teachers, and school staff have accessed the training on supporting sexual diversity and challenging homophobia. A resource booklet, Supporting Sexual Diversity in Schools: A Guide, was also delivered to every school in Victoria.

Ward told the Star Observer she hoped to work with the new state government in continuing the program beyond June this year, and that a proposal for its ongoing funding had been presented to Mental Health Minister

Mary Wooldridge along with ongoing discussions with the Department of Education.

“We’ve had nothing but really positive feedback from every school that’s taken part. There’s not been a hint of dissatisfaction from any teacher, parent or student,” she said.

info: Visit www.safeschoolscoalitionvictoria.org.au