The objective of the Journeys Activity Handbook for Teachers and School Staff is to mobilise school staff to take deliberate steps to increase, foster and promote a safe and caring school that is free from violence. A positive school climate includes norms, values and expectations that support people feeling socially, emotionally and physically safe. It also means that teachers are engaged and respected and pupils are cared about, encouraged and supported in a classroom that is free from violence. In addition all school staff and pupils contribute to keeping the school compound clean. Pupils feel safe when traveling to and from school. When life at school is characterised by a
positive and supportive atmosphere, pupils look forward to attending every day. They enjoy learning because their teachers respect their efforts, provide assistance and encourage them to succeed. As a result, pupils are eager to participate in the classroom without fear of humiliation and punishment, stay in school throughout the primary cycle and succeed in their schoolwork. The Journeys Handbook for Teachers and School Staff provides an opportunity to directly involve school staff in achieving this goal. It is intended to enable school staff change agents to facilitate a variety of activities that serve to deepen staff understanding about the nature and extent of violence against children in schools and support them in working together to establish a school and community where inclusiveness, a sense of belonging, and positive child support are normal.