SAPS puts safety lessons in the spotlight at Concordia
Learners got a closer look at policing while learning about drugs, crime, bullying and staying safe in their communities.
Laerskool Concordia learners got a first-hand look at the SAPS’s work recently, during an educational programme that brought lessons about drugs, crime, and personal safety closer to home.
The programme included demonstrations involving police dogs, horses and firearms, allowing learners to see some of the tools and methods police officers use while learning about the dangers they may encounter in their communities.
Drug awareness formed an important part of the programme, with learners being encouraged to understand what substances can be considered drugs and the potential consequences of becoming involved with them.
The school’s head girl, Sjanri Botha, said educating children about drugs and crime from a young age could help them make better decisions as they grow older.
“I think this is really about them teaching us about the dangers of drugs, not only drugs but the police things,” she said.
“Learning them from a young age can really open up their eyes and make them realise what it is to be in the big world.”
The learners also reflected on how seemingly small decisions could have long-term consequences, including the possibility of getting a criminal record.
The head boy, Tayton Myburgh, said children should understand that actions such as stealing could affect their future.
“Something so small can prevent you from getting a job,” he said.
“Just having something on your criminal record can stop you from having a future.”
The safety lessons also allowed learners to think about crime they may encounter outside the school environment, including situations where people could be robbed or mugged.
For the learners, seeing SAPS officers demonstrate how they work gave them a clearer understanding of how police respond to threats and protect community members.
“It makes us feel safe,” Botha said.
“We don’t really know what’s happening in the police system, but now they really showed us on the field what it is like and how they protect us, and it makes us feel safe now.”
Myburgh said seeing the dogs, horses, firearms and other aspects of police work also highlighted the seriousness of crime.
“I think it’s scary to know that these things are happening in our world,” he said.
The visit also opened discussions around bullying and how harmful behaviour can affect another person’s future.
Botha said understanding the emotional impact of bullying could encourage learners to think before hurting others.
“If they know how others feel when they bully someone, or how that makes them feel, I think it’s maybe going to reduce it,” she said.
Myburgh added that repeatedly hurting someone emotionally could have consequences beyond the immediate situation.
“Something you can do, if you are bullying someone, just making them sad every single day, hurting their feelings, that can stop you from getting a better future,” he said.
The learners said parents also have a role to play in teaching children about appropriate behaviour, respect and the consequences of their actions.
Botha said what children experience at home can influence how they treat others.
“It’s really important that you not only teach the children, but also their parents,” she said.
For the learners, the SAPS visit was an opportunity to see police work beyond what they may normally encounter.
“I just want to say thank you to the police for just being here today,” Myburgh said.
“Not a lot of children get this opportunity to experience these things, and I think it will really help.”
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