Safeguarding experts and school leaders came together at ‘The Bangladesh Safeguarding Summit’ to establish international standards and practices for safeguarding school students. Staged by The British Council on September 24, 2023, the event had Haileybury Bhaluka and other schools focused on making all schools safe, happy and successful, to meet the country’s evolving needs.
Speakers at the event included Simon O’Grady, Founding Headmaster, Haileybury Bhaluka; Tom Miscioscia, Country Director, British Council; Emily Konstantas, CEO, Safeguarding Alliance, UK; and others resolved to appoint trained safeguarding specialists in schools and making a commitment to international safeguarding standards through the organization B-SAFE (Bangladesh Safeguarding Alliance for Educators). They agreed on policies and best practices, with the support of The Safeguarding Alliance, a global organization that works at the government level to build country-specific national safeguarding systems.
As the prime mover in bringing international standards to Bangladesh, Haileybury Bhaluka played a key role in the summit. Simon O’Grady, Founding Headmaster of Haileybury Bhaluka, presented on making all schools ‘Safe, Happy and Successful’. It is mentionable that Haileybury Bhaluka has been awarded with “Centre for Safeguarding Excellence” by The Safeguarding Alliance, and Haileybury is the only school in Bangladesh with this status.
“In our pursuit of excellence in education, we must never lose sight of the importance of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our children”, said Simon O’Grady, Founding Headmaster of Haileybury Bhaluka. “As education leaders, we have a duty to best safeguarding practices. Haileybury Bhaluka is keen to ensure that all schools meet international standards. Our commitment to safe schools is non-negotiable”. He further added, “Being awarded the designation of “Centre for Safeguarding Excellence” from The Safeguarding Alliance is a symbol of our determination to share best practices. We make it our mission to support all schools through workshops and training events on safeguarding”.