Diepsloot learners participate in discussions about gender-based violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) was the topic of discussion for Grade 11 learners with Ikamva Youth during their exam tutorial session on 14 November at the Bophelong Centre in Diepsloot.

The morning started with tutorials for upcoming exams, but later moved to a planned discussion of gender-based violence and how to better one’s self-awareness.

Volunteer for Ikamva Youth, Bongani Madlala said this is not the first dialogue around abuse, as a men’s dialogue was previously hosted by Ikamva Youth in regards to abuse.

“Because we are getting closer towards 16 Days of Activism, there are build-up processes we are taking as it takes place from 25 November to 10 December,” he said.

“We held this talk in our aftercare programme to hear from the boys and girls about GBV from their perspective what they know about it.”

The discussions started with a video talk discussing ways in which young boys can better themselves when it comes to being a man, and what it means to be a man. Learners were then required to write down their thoughts on the topics.

Madlala said the discussions went very well as many of the learners engaged with the video and discussed at length what the video was about. “The issue on GBV is when you engage with these kids on such issues, it is important to remember they are from different homes, schools and communities.

“We tried to combine all three in our discussions today since everyone is different and has these different views and beliefs.”

The general comment from learners was that men have a chance to change how they raise their children, and boys can decide how to act around their friends that would not have a negative lasting effect.

Madlala concluded that there are possibly more discussions and events centred on GBV awareness to take place soon. “We always have these discussions, but with 16 Days of Activism approaching, this is just the beginning of what we have planned, but everything is still being determined.”