Manado Independent School (MIS) has achieved recognition as an exemplary institution under the OASE (Onward Advocacy through Sexuality Education) program. This accolade follows the completion of the “Sexual Education for School-Age Children” training from February 21 to May 31, 2024, culminating in an online graduation ceremony on July 2, 2024. Educators from MIS, spanning kindergarten through high school levels, participated in this initiative aimed at addressing prevalent issues of sexual and gender-based violence among school children in Indonesia.
The OASE program, spearheaded by the DIA (Doa Ibu Abadi) Foundation, supports sexual education initiatives in schools through structured mentoring and intervention strategies. It equips educators with comprehensive training, mentoring, and evaluation tools to implement effective sexual education programs. This empowerment enables teachers to safeguard students from sexual harassment and gender-based violence effectively.
Jane Bolang, S.Pd., M.M., a high school teacher at MIS who participated in the training, emphasized its pivotal role: “This activity equips us, as educators, to identify and address potential cases of sexual harassment among students. The training materials are invaluable, covering a spectrum from gender deviations to the subtleties of verbal and non-verbal abuse. Understanding these nuances is crucial in fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students.”
The recognition of MIS as an exemplary school by the OASE program underscores its commitment to proactive and informed approaches in safeguarding children and promoting respectful interactions within the educational environment.
