Anti-bullying campaign at Spark Riversands a success as learners march through the school

Spark Riversands learners marched around the school in order to condemn bullying.

March 10, 2023

Khomotso Makgabutlane 2 minutes read

Learners attend the anti-bullying event at Spark Riversands. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Learners throughout the Spark Schools group in Johannesburg embarked on an anti-bullying campaign, and Spark Riversands was no different.

Spark Riversands learners Muhluri Rikhotso and Samkelo Makhubo at the anti-bullying campaign to demonstrate the importance of having buddies at school. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

The morning consisted of a variety of events that addressed topics of bullying, and the different faces of bullying. Posters were also made and hung around the school reminding fellow learners about the importance of kindness and why bullying is wrong.

Spark Riversands learners encourage others to be buddies and not bullies in their anti-bullying march. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

Chants of “I am a buddy! Not a bully!” echoed throughout the school grounds as the young group of learners marched their way around the school to spread kindness and love.
Principal Zamajola Mnyaka said bullying is a pandemic in itself, and that it was important to give awareness to the learners of the impacts of bullying.
“We have not had instances of outright bullying, but maybe cases where bullying could arise,” she said.

Kamogelo Ndwandwa and Tshepang Modiba show kindness to one another. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

“We had a number of items that we covered this morning in order to show the learners what bullying is about and what it looks like. For example, pulling someone into the bathroom.”

Uzwothe Mutavhatsindi and Lwazi Kunene at the anti-bullying march at Spark Riversands. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

She added that the campaign also took place last year, so most of the learners are well informed about the topic and the new learners understood the severity of bullying and its impact.
“It doesn’t only happen to children. Even as an adult, you can get to a point of being a bully. Prior to this event, we celebrated friendship day on Valentine’s Day where we were showing kindness,” she said.

Tshegofatso Leshabane, Lisakhanya Mhlongo and Laura Pulela attend the Spark Riversands anti-bullying campaign. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

“As much as we want to show what bullying is and how we can prevent it, we need to also show what kindness looks like. What the teachers did was hand each other gifts in front of the learners. It was to show what being a buddy and not a bully looks like.”

Spark Riversands school learners vow to be buddies and not bullies. Photo: Khomotso Makgabutlane

The school also had its Buddy the Pooh mascot to encourage anti-bullying and kindness among one another.
“We are hoping to have this campaign once a term, but we will keep our displays up for the whole year. In our social-emotional learning, we have these discussions in our care circles with the learners, so it is a continuous thing across the school. We also want to educate the parents as well,” she said.