ONE STORY

Two years ago, in a school in the Modi'in area, a 4th grade class underwent a three day violence study workshop. Specifically in that class, one of the girls (Victim) was being bullied and ousted by another girl (Aggressor), leaving her friendless and isolated. On the third day of the workshop, V found the strength to get up and tell her story. Supported by her teacher and the trainer, V spoke of the humiliation and embarrassment and hurt that being bullied caused her. Her courageous and emotional testimony resulted in the class apologizing to her, including the bully, A.
Two years later, V is a much calmer, happier child. Since the workshop she has made a few friends, her academics have improved substantially and her parents have become much more positively involved in the school.
"The feel and dynamics of this class is entirely different now. The workshop didn't just have an impact on that day two years ago. The effects remained." explains the class teacher. "The atmosphere in the classroom is more relaxed." The teacher reports that the kids still use the tools that they were taught. The philosophy that was instilled two years ago, namely the individual taking responsibility for the group and the group taking responsibility for the individual, helps keep them safe inside their classroom and from outside aggressors (students in other classes).

The level of physical and other forms of violence in schools is reaching worrying levels. Against this background the SOS Violence Center for Violence Studies in Israel provides tools to children and teachers – through workshops like the one these 4th graders underwent - helping reduce violence. For the last three years, SOS workshops have been implemented in schools around Israel. This past year alone, SOS has worked with 15 schools, in 100 classes, affecting around 3,500 students. In addition, hundreds of teachers, above and beyond those taking part in the class workshops, have undergone special de-escalation training.

SOS's impact is being felt on both an individual and class level. Teachers are encouraged by the changes they see and finally have the tools, together with their students, to make an impact, not just in one-off situations, but long-term.