On 31 May 2021 the anti-bully team of the civil rights organisation AfriForum visited the Lantern School in Roodepoort as part of the national child protection week. This campaign will create awareness of bullying in schools and includes information sessions with learners.
“It is important for AfriForum to work with learners, teachers and parents to make a difference and to stop bullying in schools. Safe schools will ensure a safe community, not only now, but in future too. Each learner who attends the anti-bully talk will be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to act as leader in situations where bullying takes place, in other words to be bullyproof. Children are also taught to distinguish between bullying and conflict,” says Leandie Bräsler, AfriForum’s Manager for Youth Leadership.
“Lantern School has a bully awareness week at the school this week. AfriForum addressed the children about bullying, what exactly bullying is, as well as the different shapes bullying can take on. On Tuesday we will be working in groups where the different types of bullies will be portrayed. Wednesday we will write down our friends’ beautiful qualities and wear it on our backs. Thursday we will paint a smiling face on our mask because we want to be friendly with everyone. Friday we will make white flags to show that we will live in peace from now on,” says Sonja Lombaard, teacher at the Lantern School.
For more information around AfriForum’s anti-bullying campaign, please visit www.teenboelie.co.za.