Schools can be a safe haven 🏫

For many children, schools do not just provide an opportunity to learn, but also for social interaction in a place where they can be supported by their peers and teachers.

• Schools also provide a protective environment that reduces the risk of children, particularly girls, becoming victims of violence or exploitation.
• School closures result in loss of access to a wide range of school-provided services such as school meals, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) and services targeted to children with special needs such as learning support, speech therapy and social skills training.

To ensure education settings continue to be welcoming, respectful, inclusive, and supportive environments to all, we must avoid stigmatizing students and staff who may have been exposed to or have recovered from cholera.