Good morning.
I bring you warm greetings from the Director of the Legon Centre for Education Research and Policy (LECERP) and from the University of Ghana.
I am truly excited to meet you all! You have so much ahead of you, you have dreams to achieve, gifts to nurture, and great things to accomplish. You are the future of this nation, and I cannot wait to see how amazing you turn out. Remember, every choice you make today shapes the kind of world we will all share tomorrow.
Today, we join the global community to commemorate the International Day Against Violence and Bullying at School, including Cyberbullying. The chosen theme by LECERP, “The Scars You Don’t See: The Lasting Impact of Violence and Bullying,” reminds us that not all wounds are visible. Sometimes, the most painful scars are the ones hidden deep within, that is in our minds and our hearts.
When someone is bullied, insulted, or excluded, the feeling may not show on the outside, but it can stay with them for a long time. It can affect how they think, how they learn, and how they see themselves. Words can build people up, but they can also break people down — and that’s why this theme challenges all of us to be more mindful, compassionate, and kind.
Globally, one billion children aged 2 to 17 experience some form of violence each year — physical, psychological, or sexual. Violence in education doesn’t just cause pain; it disrupts learning and leaves invisible scars that affect confidence, focus, and mental well-being. Learners exposed to violence often struggle academically, absent themselves from school, and sometimes lose hope entirely.
Our teachers are not spared either. Many face verbal abuse or even physical assaults, leading to stress, burnout, and reduced motivation. When teachers feel unsafe or disrespected, the entire learning environment suffers. Violence in any form harms both learners and educators and destroys the foundation of a healthy, productive learning community.
In today’s digital world, we must also remember that bullying doesn’t only happen face-to-face, it can happen online too. What we post, share, or comment on can deeply affect others. So, I would like to encourage you to use the internet responsibly. Before you type or forward anything, ask yourself: “Would I say this to myself?” Using the internet ethically means respecting others’ privacy, avoiding hurtful messages, and helping to make social media a positive and safe space for everyone.
“Today, let’s remember that the ripple effects of violence and bullying may not appear immediately, but they often surface later, in how we treat our friends, relate to our families, work with others, and raise the next generation within our communities.”
At LECERP, the research wing of the College of Education, University of Ghana, our mission is to bridge the gap between research and policy-making. We turn knowledge into practical steps that make schools safer and learning more meaningful. Our interaction with you today aligns with the University of Ghana’s second and fourth strategic priorities- Impactful Research and Engagement and Partnerships, which guide our work. LECERP is committed to supporting education systems that protect, empower, and inspire every learner. A truly safe school is one where kindness replaces cruelty, empathy replaces judgment, and understanding replaces hate.
“We need to build safe spaces all around us - in our schools, our homes, and our communities. Let us join hands and choose love through words that heal scars and create smiles for generations to come. May we hold on to memories that shape our lives into beauty, not those that build walls between us and others.”
School-related violence is a violation of children’s and adolescents’ rights to education, health, and well-being. No country can achieve inclusive and equitable quality education (SDG 4) or peace, justice, and strong institutions (SDG 16) if learners experience violence and bullying in school. Ending school violence is not only a moral duty but also a crucial step toward building peaceful, resilient, and thriving societies.
So today, I would like to encourage you:
“Be the reason someone feels safe, not the reason they feel afraid.”
“Kindness costs nothing, but its impact can last a lifetime.”
“The scars you don’t see often hurt the most — choose words and actions that heal.”
Each of us has a part to play in making our schools safer:
If you see someone being bullied- speak up.
If you are hurting- reach out.
And if you have ever caused harm, choose today to change.
Together, let us make our schools and communities places of safety, compassion, and hope, where every learner can confidently say:
“I am safe. I am valued and I belong.”
Thank you.
The message was delivered on 6th November, 2025 at the Presbyterian Senior High School, Mampong-Akuapem.