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ASEZ STAR ‘Shoulder to Shoulder’ Campaign
Joining Hands to Prevent School Violence and Foster a Healthy School Culture
ASEZ STAR, the Church of God Student Volunteer Group, celebrated International Youth Day (August 12) by promoting a positive and inclusive school culture. Known for their commitment to environmental and social initiatives in schools and communities, the group launched the “Shoulder to Shoulder” campaign, running from August 12 to September 30, to combat school violence. The campaign emphasizes mutual support, symbolized by “standing by each other in difficult times and providing companionship in loneliness,” aiming to foster violence-free schools. Participants from 12 countries, including Korea, the United States, New Zealand, Peru, and Mozambique, joined the effort.
Preventing school violence requires active engagement from all school members and the development of an altruistic school culture. ASEZ STAR members made efforts to raise awareness by hosting panel exhibitions during school hours, highlighting the concept, types, and prevention of school violence. Campaign briefings were also conducted to captivate students’ attention and encourage involvement. Using slogans such as “Violence is short, but the pain lasts long” and “Log out of school violence, log in to friendship,” members promoted participation through placards, calligraphy postcards, and other creative initiatives. They also led by example, accompanying their peers to and from school, offering both companionship and support.
Students participating in the campaign demonstrated their commitment to preventing school violence by placing stickers on panels outlining actions they pledged to practice, such as complimenting friends, assisting with cleaning, and sharing meals. School officials voiced their support, stating, “The voluntary actions of students contribute to fostering a positive school culture. We hope that this campaign inspires students to respect and care for one another,” highlighting their encouragement for the initiative.
Forums and seminars focused on preventing school violence were held in Quezon City, the Philippines; Lurigancho-Chosica, Peru; and New York State, U.S. ASEZ STAR members, alongside experts from the legal and education sectors, gathered to discuss strategies for creating violence-free schools and the individual roles in achieving this goal. Nader Sayegh, Representative of the New York State Assembly, commended the participants for their efforts, urging them to “keep up the fight to eliminate school violence.”
Choi Da-bok from Incheon reflected, “Through this campaign, I realized that what seems minor to me can be perceived as school violence by someone else. My goal was to raise awareness and alert those around me to these risks. I will continue to strive to reduce conflicts and contribute to creating a harmonious school where all students can come together.” Catarina Luís from Maputo, Mozambique, commented, “After viewing the panel exhibition, I gained a clearer understanding of what should and shouldn’t be done in friendships. I am eager to continue participating in activities that contribute to building a better world.”
The “Shoulder to Shoulder” campaign is a key initiative in fulfilling the joint declaration made by ASEZ STAR members during the 1st ASEZ STAR Character Education Lecture for Students on August 11. ASEZ STAR members worldwide are actively gathering ideas and developing plans to bring the declaration to life, which pledges, “We will speak together and act together until the day when the happiness and health of youth are guaranteed.”