Stage play tackles bullying, sexuality at Atteridgeville school

University of Pretoria centre for sexualities, aids and gender put on a drama at a Atteridgeville school to educate learners about suicide.

Organisers said the event at Flavius Mareka secondary school on Friday was to deal with concerns about the rising suicide rates among teens and learners, in particular.

The play dealt with sexuality and suicide in a story about a child whose parents did not want to accept was homosexual and the trauma he underwent before attempting suicide.

The goal was to help learners, commonly referred to as straight, understand that being homosexual or bisexual was not a choice but natural or something that cannot be controlled or changed by a human being.

The event also gave victims or potential victims of sexual abuse an opportunity to speak, with confidence, about their sexuality.

Learner, Mbekezeli (not his real name) shared shared a personal anecdote about his treatment at the school.

“From the play, I learnt that if you are gay, you should accept yourself. I am gay and you fellow learners must accept me as I am because if you keep on calling me names and depressing me, I will kill myself and you will gain nothing,” he said.

Social worker, Brenda Mafuyeka of Kopano Manyano NPO encouraged teens with suicidal thoughts to reach out to friends, teachers and the police.

She said learners may also tell their parents, however, since she began her career as the social worker six years ago, she came to the realisation that most learners, especially from 14 years old onwards, were unable to talk to their parents about being abused or bullied.

“I would like to tell you that from today you are welcome to talk to the social workers – we are here to help you,” she told learners.

She said social workers provided services such as counselling for the depressed, made referrals to psychologists where necessary and offered temporary shelter to children living in a bad environment.

“I urge learners to refrain from bullying,” said Constable Kgothatso Malefe of the Atteridgeville police station, who was present.

She said the learners should focus on their studies and stay away from bullying, taking drugs and sexual offences.

“Focusing on your studies will help you achieve your dream of a bright future.”

She said the police understood that victims of bullying go through a lot.

“A recent incident a learner was left with many permanent scars on his arms after a suicide attempt.”

She urged learners who are victims of abuse not to commit suicide but report their problems to teachers or the police.

“After reporting the matter to us, we will assist you and direct you to the relevant offices or departments,” she concluded.

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