News | 06 Oct 2015
Teachers Matter: Addressing school bullying, violence, and discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression in Asia-Pacific

Teachers Matter

A trusted teacher can be a lifeline of support for a young learner subjected to bullying or exclusion at school.

A report soon to be released by UNESCO Bangkok finds that in Asia-Pacific, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) youth are disproportionately at risk of school bullying, discrimination and violence. For them, a supportive teacher can transform their entire outlook on school and, with it, their learning outcomes and their future.

Teachers also lead by example. They have the potential to transform harmful attitudes and practices and serve as role models in the effort to create more positive and accepting learning environments.

On World Teachers’ Day, UNESCO Bangkok, with the Being LGBTI in Asia initiative, releases a video that illustrates this potential. It features heartwarming stories which demonstrate how teachers are an integral part of the solution when it comes to creating safe spaces in which all learners can thrive.

Show your support by sharing this video and by learning more about the #PurpleMySchool Campaign at: