Every new senior high School (SHS) student remembers their first week: navigating unfamiliar corridors, adjusting to dormitory life and meeting new friends.
It’s an exciting time, but it also comes with risks. Safety isn’t about fear—it’s about being prepared. Here are practical tips every student should keep in their ‘school survival toolkit.’
• Know your environment: Familiarise yourself with fire exits, assembly points and the school layout.
• Keep valuables safe: Don’t leave personal items unattended in classrooms or dormitories.
• Avoid isolated areas at night: Walk in groups and stick to well-lit paths.
• Learn emergency numbers: Ghana Police (191/18555), Fire Service (192), Ambulance (193).
• Practice emotional intelligence: Pause, breathe and walk away from provocation.
• Build trustworthy friendships: Choose friends who encourage positive behaviour.
• Stay alert online: Avoid sharing private images and be wary of strangers offering gifts.
• Report suspicious activities: Inform a teacher, counsellor or prefect immediately.
• Protect your health: Eat well, get enough rest and avoid harmful substances.
• Be part of the solution: Join cadet corps, security clubs or mediation groups to promote safety.
Safety isn’t a one-time lesson; it’s a lifestyle. Every wise choice contributes to a safer environment for you and your peers. Remember: you’re not just protecting yourself; you’re shaping your school’s culture.
The writer is the Founder & Executive Director of the MISORNU Safety Centre, a pioneering NGO advancing safety and security awareness in schools, workplaces and communities.
Email: info@misornu.org
Wed. www.misornu.org.
WhatsApp- 0201240091
