Increasing peer support for students with behavioral or emotional disabilities in Fako Division involves addressing the social aspects of the issue. This could include implementing several strategies:

1. **Promoting Awareness and Understanding:** Promoting awareness to understand special children is a vital step in fostering an inclusive and supportive community. Awareness initiatives aim to educate individuals about the diverse needs, abilities, and challenges of special children which encourages empathy and fosters an inclusive mind-set. Conduct workshops and awareness programs for both students and teachers to enhance understanding about behavioral and emotional disabilities. Increasing awareness fosters empathy and encourages a supportive atmosphere.

2. **Peer Education Programs:** Establish peer education programs where students learn about behavioral and emotional disabilities, reducing stigma and fostering a sense of responsibility among peers to support their classmates. A peer educator program is an educational initiative where individuals within a similar age group or social setting are trained to educate and support their peers on specific topics or issues. Peer education is a widely used approach in various fields, including health, social services, and education. In the context of health education, for example, peer educators may provide information and guidance on topics such as sexual health, substance abuse prevention, or mental health to their peers.


3. **Inclusive Classroom Activities:** Inclusive classroom activities aim to create an environment where all students, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, can participate and learn together. Integrate activities that promote collaboration and interaction within the classroom. Group projects and inclusive learning initiatives encourage positive social dynamics and build relationships among students with diverse needs. Pairing students with different strengths fosters a supportive learning community.Implement UDL principles by designing lessons that offer multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression. This approach caters to diverse learning needs. Organize games and sports that can be adapted to include students with varying abilities also promotes physical activity and inclusivity in recreational activities.

4. **Buddy Systems:** Implement buddy systems where students with behavioral or emotional disabilities are paired with supportive peers. This can create a sense of companionship and provide emotional support during challenging times.


5. **Student-Led Support Groups:** Facilitate the creation of student-led support groups where peers can openly discuss and address concerns related to behavioral and emotional challenges. This empowers students to share experiences and strategies for support.

6. **Training for Peer Mentors:** Provide training for peer mentors who can offer guidance and assistance to students with behavioral or emotional disabilities. This formalized support system ensures that peers are equipped to provide effective assistance.


7. **Celebrating Differences:** Organize events or activities that celebrate diversity and differences among students. This helps create an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, contributing to positive peer relationships.

8. **Counselor Involvement:** Collaborate with school counselors to provide guidance on promoting positive social interactions. Counselors can facilitate discussions, offer resources, and provide strategies for peers to understand and support their classmates.


9. **Anti-Bullying Initiatives:** Implement anti-bullying campaigns to create a safe and supportive environment. Addressing any form of bullying directly contributes to a more inclusive atmosphere for students with behavioral or emotional disabilities.

10. **Parental Involvement:** Engage parents in understanding the importance of peer support. Building a strong partnership between schools and parents helps create a consistent and supportive network for students both inside and outside the classroom.


By focusing on these social aspects, schools in Fako Division can work towards creating an inclusive environment where students with behavioral or emotional disabilities receive the peer support they need to thrive academically and emotionally.

Author Sradhanjali Dasgupta
Consultant Psychologist, Speaker , Learning Developmental Coach, Teacher and trainer Miss. Sradhanjali Dasgupta has been extensively working in the field of Counselling and education for the past few years in several Clinics, Hospitals, NGOs and educational sectors. She also contributes her writings and blogs in various newspapers, magazines and e- magazines Her training and workshops are both for the corporate as well as for the educational sector and are geared up for learning and development,upgradation and capacity building. She has actively taken part in many debates