The official numbers, though grim, serve as a wake-up call: incidents of school violence have risen by nearly a third in the past year, with Romania ranking as the third-highest in the EU for school bullying. According to a recent survey by Salvați Copiii (Save the Children Romania), an overwhelming 82% of Romanian students have witnessed bullying in their schools. Even more disheartening, nearly half of these students confront threats, humiliation, or physical assaults on a daily basis, leaving deep emotional and psychological scars that often last into adulthood.
But within this challenging landscape emerges a ray of hope – Școala Încrederii, 'The School of Trust.' This NGO is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of every child in Romanian schools, irrespective of their background or circumstances. They deserve to grow and learn in an environment that sees them for who they truly are: a complete and complex human being. Their mission is clear: to combat bullying through their transformative initiative, aptly named the 'Revolution in Education.'
A crucial driving force behind this project is the support of the Active Citizens Fund România, financed by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway through the EEA and Norway Grants. This funding not only empowers change but also underlines the importance of international collaboration in addressing pressing issues within Romania's education system.
Școala Încrederii’s ‘Revolution in Education’
Școala Încrederii was born with a desire to restore trust in schools in Romania by changing the organisational culture and developing healthy relationships between all community members. The "Revolution in Education" involves a systematic transformation in the field of education at a national level. This big endeavour is grounded in the belief that each and every child, regardless of their school or background, deserves the opportunity to thrive and make a meaningful impact.
Ruxandra Mercea, the founder of the organisation and a dedicated education professional with over 15 years of experience, believes that change and transformation in education comes from within each school.
“Școala Încrederii is a completely independent organisation, and the implementation of the program in schools is entirely cost-free for them. By 2030, our goal is to reach 1,200 public schools, which represents 20% of the accredited public schools in Romania. This initiative will have a significant impact on over a million students and 100,000 teachers and other adults working in these schools.” - Ruxandra Mercea
Healing generational trauma with this generation
The Romanian educational system knows a history of hostility, employing shame as a tool for learning. And the scars of this system run deep. Parents publicly scolding their children and teachers advocating studying "out of shame" perpetuate a culture of emotional trauma.
“More often than not, the Romanian school system fails to provide a nurturing environment for children to be themselves – perfectly imperfect as they learn and make mistakes. This stifles their creativity and overshadows their true potential. As a result, school becomes a rigid mould of conformity, fostering a never-ending pursuit of performance that they ultimately come to resent.” - Ruxandra Mercea
The project organisation believes it is high time to end this cycle and advocate for an education that nurtures confident individuals capable of expressing their uniqueness without fear. However, breaking free from the chains of generational trauma requires more than just good intentions – it necessitates a fundamental shift in how education is approached.
Școala Încrederii embodies this shift, striving for lasting change by implementing restorative conflict management, differentiated instruction, and fostering healthy school community relationships. Their approach is multifaceted and innovative, fostering safety, respect, and inclusivity. It strives to make enrolled schools safe havens for students.
It takes a village
The organisation accomplishes this through a series of courses and training programs designed to reach teachers, parents, and students alike. These activities aim to encompass a shift from punitive conflict management to restorative approaches. Grounded in empathy, understanding, and inclusivity, these are vital steps toward creating an educational environment free from violence and bullying. They emphasise resolution, rehabilitation, and healing rather than punishment.
By facilitating direct communication between students, parents, and teachers, Școala Încrederii builds a bridge of understanding and collaboration that reinforces the school's commitment to every child's well-being. It enables the entire community to collectively pave the way for a safer, more nurturing educational environment.
Having a lasting impact
The impact of Școala Încrederii extends far beyond the walls of individual schools. By focusing on the importance of healthy relationships and emotional well-being, the organisation contributes to building a more compassionate and inclusive society in Romania. This would not be possible without valued partnerships:
“Our organisational effort to reach the national level, promote our cause, and seek support would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our partners, the Active Citizens Fund. Thanks to their generous support, we are now able to launch the Revolution in Education, which addresses one of the significant challenges in child development: bullying.” - Ruxandra Mercea, the School of Trust Founder
The positive outcomes of the strategies used are tangible and inspiring. Bullying rates are on the decline, creating safer and more nurturing environments for students. School communities are thriving, fostering a culture of mutual respect and understanding. These changes are not just confined to the school years; they have the potential to shape a more harmonious and tolerant Romanian society for generations to come.
In conclusion, Școala Încrederii's "Revolution in Education" is more than a response to escalating violence in Romanian schools; it is a transformative movement that seeks to impact the lives of millions of children. The support of organisations like Active Citizens Fund România, funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, is instrumental in driving this positive change: ensuring that every child in every school truly matters.
