Edenglen High learners urged to combat bullying
School partners with SAPS to hold back-to-school safety awareness campaign.
As learners returned to school after the holidays on January 17, Edenglen High School partnered with the Edenvale SAPS to hold a back-to-school safety awareness campaign.
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The main aim of the campaign was to inform and educate learners about the dangers of drugs and bullying.
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Edenglen High School principal Trevor Weinerlein opened the assembly by congratulating the matric class of 2017 for achieving a 98 per cent pass rate.
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He encouraged the new matrics to aim for a 100 per cent pass rate this year, and urged all learners to always be in class on time, do their school work and listen to their teachers.
Sergeant Jacob Mashile, head of the social crime prevention unit at the Edenvale Police Station, encouraged learners to stay away from drugs and bullying.
“We ask the learners to help the police fight bullying and drugs. Follow in the steps of the matrics of 2017 and aim to achieve even more,” said Mashile.
Palesa Phiri, a Mrs Commonwealth South Africa 2017 finalist and member of the Edenvale Youth Desk, urged the learners to help beat the scourge of bullying.
“If you are being bullied or know of any learner who is a bully, report it to the school, and should you feel that the school is not doing enough to deal with the situation, you can contact the Edenvale SAPS Youth Desk.
“Bullying can also happen on the internet,” Phiri added. “If you send someone nasty messages on social media or email, that is cyber-bullying and it is a punishable crime.”
Sebenza Youth Desk member Malessa Mahlangu spoke to the learners about the dangers of using drugs.
“Try not to give in to peer pressure, because you don’t have to do what your friends are doing. Drugs are not fun and nothing good comes from using them.”
Mahlangu said the Youth Desk serves as a link between the police and the youth.
“We want to create a safe environment for the youth to come talk to us whenever there is a need,” she said. “The school is a safe environment and should be free of drugs and weapons. There is no reason why a learner should be carrying a gun at school.”
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