"Exploring the idea of schools as sanctuaries: initial measures"
Starting today, September 10, 2025, the city of Essen will begin implementing the "School as a Safe Place" concept, a comprehensive plan designed to enhance safety at local schools. The city council approved this long-term prevention program during its September session.
The concept, developed in collaboration with various partners, evaluates measures proven successful in other municipalities for potential implementation in Essen's school landscape. It aims to create protected learning and living spaces for students, combining structural-technical measures with preventive-pedagogical offerings.
The structural-technical measures include optimizing main entrances of 14 schools with new signs displaying the correct name and address to facilitate orientation for emergency services. Additionally, 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. The costs for these measures in the pilot phase amount to around 147,400 euros.
On the pedagogical front, 21 schools will systematically introduce proven violence prevention programs during the pilot phase. Around 20 teachers will be trained for each school to ensure effective implementation. The theater-pedagogical program "My Body Belongs to Me" will be funded comprehensively for all third-grade classes at elementary and special schools in Essen to prevent sexualized violence.
The effectiveness of these measures will be continuously monitored to further develop the concept as needed. Further measures, such as additional alarm systems or visual screening elements, are currently being examined and can be added. The results of the evaluations will be incorporated into the further development of the concept.
Schools that are particularly prioritized in an overview will start the implementation first. Schools that meet the conditions for the pedagogical offerings can also participate. The city council expects to evaluate the measures annually to assess their impact and make any necessary adjustments.
Muchtar Al Ghusain, Beigeordneter for youth, education, and culture, explained that these measures are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of students. The financing of security measures for schools in Essen is typically managed by municipal or state authorities in Germany, although discussions about additional security measures after incidents involve the city's political leadership, including Mayor Thomas Kufen.
Further information about the "School as a Safe Place" concept can be found in the documents Vorlage 1100/2025/4 and Vorlage 0513/2025/4. The city council's approval of this concept marks a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of Essen's schools and the students they serve.
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