POLOKWANE – BULLIES in schools will soon have to face a group of learners who are able to stand their ground thanks to the efforts of local businesses.
Mohlapa MCT Business Solutions and Coca-Cola Fortune in Polokwane joins forces in a week long back-to-school campaign in the Seshego circuit that focuses on how to handle bullies.
The campaign, that started last week, includes practical tips by Const Brigid Kunutu of the Seshego police, a stage play to show the devastating effects of bullying and dividing the learners into work groups to discuss the issue.
Mantji Chuene, CEO of Mohlapa MCT Business Solutions says the aim of the campaign is to educate learners about all types of bullying, including cyber bullying and physical attacks.
“We want to help the learners come up with effective ways to handle bullies and intimidation. Most of all, we want to encourage them to trust their teachers and parents and to report all bullying so that it can be dealt with,” says Chuene.
According to Chuene, the campaign will also look at issues like teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, peer pressure and HIV/aids.
“The whole community should be involved in this campaign. Adults have to set an example and show these learners how to avoid dangerous behaviour.”
Ernest Matlou Primary School principal, Agnes Mashamaite, says it takes a village to raise a child and parents and teachers should work together to address issues that have a negative impact on learners’ lives.
“I hope that we will see change in our schools after this campaign has run its course. The learners learned that bullying is wrong. Since we have a bullying problem at this school, I look forward to seeing some positive results. Both bullies and their victims must learn to find ways to stop this behaviour,” she says.
Johannes Makhura, principal of CM Sehlapelo Combined School, says he is happy that the learners now know how to deal with bullies.
“This is a life skill that our learners have to learn. It is even on the curriculum. The learners especially enjoyed the play and now understand how bullying can hurt others.
“They also know how to find help if they are being bullied,” he says.
Boy tells of his ordeal at the hands of bullies
