Aboriginal and Northern Affairs Minister Eric Robinson, Education Minister Nancy Allan and former NHL player Sheldon Kennedy launch the Respect in School program on Thursday, February 23, 2012. Kennedy is the co-founder of the program. (CHRISD.CA)
The Manitoba government has committed $300,000 over three years to support an online program to promote safer, more respectful schools.
The Respect in School program was launched in partnership with former NHL player Sheldon Kennedy, and will help support all adults working with students in a school environment to better understand and respond to incidents of bullying, abuse, harassment and neglect. Participants receive a certificate upon completion of the program and users can continue to access the application to review course content, including curriculum updates, for up to five years.
“We all play a role in ensuring safe, respectful environments for children and youth,” Kennedy said. “I applaud the Province of Manitoba for adopting a proactive approach to protecting students by giving school leaders the tools they need to take action to prevent bullying or abuse of any kind.”
The program was piloted in one rural and two northern school divisions throughout the province before its launch. The online curriculum will be available to administrators, teachers and support staff, including school bus drivers, educational assistants and parent volunteers.
