This campaign serves to raise awareness of bullying in schools and includes information sessions with learners.
The Tshimollo primary school raised awareness about bullying during a march around the community of Mamelodi West on Friday.
The learners were joined by teachers, parents, the school governing body, the local CPF and the Mamelodi West police child protection unit under the theme “Buddy, not a Bully”.
Jane Masemola, from the school’s foundation phase, said the campaign wanted to help learners to break the silence and condemn bullying at the school.
She said they organised the campaign as they noticed learners were bullying each other.
The anti-bullying campaign is an annual campaign and also forms part of the curriculum at the school.
Masemola said the campaign helped grades R to 3 with their life skills subject and grades 4 to 7 with life orientation.
The learners marched from the school to sections A4, A5, Naledi Section U and U, holding placards to spread their message.
“We also wanted to let the community know that we are aware of the abuse taking place at their homes and that they must seek help because it also affects learners at school.”
The learners also marched to neighbouring schools and pleaded with the government to intervene by sending social workers to the local schools.
Masemola added they marched because they felt there was a lot that needed to be done.
The learners were happy that the teachers felt a need to take action.
“Our teachers felt there’s a need to make a difference and take action today where learners are suffering and assist them wherever they can.”
Mamelodi West police sector manager Warrant-Officer Mike Ngethu said this campaign also served to raise awareness of drugs and dangerous weapons at schools.
“Bullying comes in many forms. Learners should inform their teachers about bullying at the school and the teachers will then inform the police,” said Ngethu.
The police also addressed human trafficking and told learners not to talk to strangers, especially those who are waiting for their school transport to go home after school.
Feature content copy courtesy of https://rekord.co.za/417690/local-school-organises-anti-bullying-awareness-march/