Nellmapius learners encouraged to focus on their studies
Skeem Saam actress encouraged learners to focus on their schoolwork and stop bullying each other.
Learners from Vukuzenzele primary school in Nellmapius ext. 3 received a message of encouragement from Skeem Saam actress Ntswaki.
Lethabo Mmekoa is popular for playing Ntswaki Rathoka on SABC 1 soapie Skeem Saam and as Miss Teen Gauteng.
Ntswaki was addressing the learners about bullying during the second annual School Mental Health Awareness campaign organised by the Vhathu Phanda community forum on Friday, October 20.
Other stakeholders such as Youth Dialogue, the Department of Health, Silverton Youth Desk, Future Families and Silverton police also took part in the campaign.
She advised learners to take education seriously as it is the key to success and stay away from bad things.
“We are here to focus mainly on bullying because it’s something the schools are struggling with,” said Ntswaki.
“We have to let the learners know and raise awareness about bullying while they are still young.
“So that when they get to high school level it’s something they know and it will be limited to happen there.”
Thabo Moshabelo of Vhathu Phanda said he wanted to teach the learners about mental health and the issues that can lead to mental health.
“We have invited different stakeholders to talk to the learners according to their fields,” said Moshabelo.
He said among the topics was bullying which is growing among the local schools.
“We are celebrating Mental Health Month with local schools by teaching them about things they can do to each other to cause mental distress.
“The aim is to show everyone that mental health matters. It’s also a day to let people know that it’s okay to ask for help, no matter what you’re going through,” he said.
He said mental health can affect anyone – young and old – and for learners, bullying can trigger it.
Ward 67 councillor Kholofelo Kgopotso said the visitors brought an important message and educated the learners about drugs and bullying.
“We were visited by different stakeholders who donated school shoes including an actress who inspired and encouraged learners to focus on their studies,” said Kgopotso.
Kgopotso encouraged local businessmen and forums to give back to the community, especially to the learners “who are our future leaders”.
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