AfriForum’s anti-bullying team and Matteus visit Laerskool Northmead

The civil rights organisation AfriForum’s anti-bullying team visited Laerskool Northmead in Benoni on 22 May. This campaign serves to raise awareness of bullying in schools and includes information sessions with learners.

“Raising awareness of bullying behaviour in schools is of crucial importance as it creates a safe and inclusive learning environment for learners. By raising awareness of bullying behaviour, learners and staff are better equipped to recognise, prevent and tackle instances of bullying,” says Tania Scheepers, AfriForum’s Project Assistant for Education.

“It is important for AfriForum to work together with learners, teachers and parents to make a difference and curb bullying in schools. Safe schools also ensure a safe community – not only for now but for the future. Every learner who attends the anti-bullying talk provides the necessary knowledge and skills to act as a leader in situations where bullying takes place, thus being bully-resistant. Learners are also taught to differentiate between bullying and conflict,” says Leandie Bräsler, AfriForum’s Manager for Youth Leadership.

“It is extremely important to bring awareness of bullying behaviour at schools to learners’ attention, seeing as it is a serious matter that affects learners differently. Raising awareness of bullying behaviour can teach learners how to identify bullies and where to report them,” says Bianca Haasboek, foundation phase teacher at Laerskool Northmead.

For more information about AfriForum’s anti-bullying campaign visit www.teenboelie.co.za.