#BRAVEHEARTDAY: ‘Where the heart is free to change’

Maiveen Boehme  is a strong women with a vision, she contacted the Letaba Herald asking for assistance in help creating an awareness of the campaign.

Boehme launched this NPC after being a victim to bullying in her school years and experienced the same trauma later when her daughters were subjected to severe bullying at school.

Going through these traumatic events, especially trying to help her daughters, Maiveen saw the need for a more comprehensive program that would minimize bullying in general.

Watch: Some of the actors from 7de Laan raising their voice against bullying in our society

‘’I always teach my children to leave a legacy, and if they can help a bully, what better legacy is there?’’

The main aim is to create an environment in which all South Africans, whether at school, in the workplace or in a relationship, make a stand against bullying.

Few people know that bullying is a criminal offense which can have long-term repercussions.

Read: Teens and sexual cyberbullying – the criminal consequences

They offer an extensive program to schools, consisting of a roadshow and the setting up of a Brave Community at each school.

Would you like to be part of our BRAVE Community either a #BRAVE School, #BRAVE Teacher, #BRAVE Principal?

They want to challenge all schools in South Africa to take part in their 5-day awareness campaign ahead of the National Day on 3 May.

Watch: Melly Ndabeni, a singer of the group Heavenly Quartez, shares his thoughts on Project Brave Heart.

“We encourage schools to contact us for information/ideas or to get us involved in our current bully program:  ‘’It takes a village to raise a child,’’ Boehme said.

They also want to challenge companies to take their hands and stand up against bullying by following their intensive program and be part of their BRAVE Community and 5-day awareness campaign ahead of the National Day.

Be a proud #BRAVE CEO, #BRAVE Company or #BRAVE Colleague. You can contact them at info@projectbraveheart.co.za to find out how!

Watch: 7de Laan Actress Mimi Mahlasela explains why she became part of our program and shares some thoughts on bullying.

3 May 2019 – National Brave Heart Day will be the first ever National Day to create awareness around this huge social problem.

“We have just received our Heart lapel pins, which serve as icons of the project and they are on sale at R20 each. Purchase a pin and wear it to show your support,” said Boehme.

Pins can be purchased at their online shop (www.projectbraveheart.co.za) or by contacting them on info@projectbraveheart.co.za.

“We will also be asking all South Africans to wear red and blue on the day. Red for love and blue for forgiveness,” Boehme said.

Their slogan:

“Where the heart is free to change – means that we will be looking after the victim as well as the bully. It is important for us to take care of both parties as the problem won’t be solved if we don’t heal all broken hearts. As they say, the abused becomes the abuser. Both parties must feel free to change their ways. The victim needs to forgive and the bully needs to tell their story to heal. We also encourage the public to send us their stories. If you share your story then you help others to heal, #tellusyourstory, Boehme explains.

Watch: Lelo Kingston Mofokeng on why he decided to become one of our Brave Ambassador Kids

Visit their social pages to view some of the stories received – www.facebook.com/projectbraveheart.co.za or www.instagram.com/projectbraveheart.

“Our long-term vision is to create the most effective anti-bullying movement in SA by changing the way we look at one another – I see you and I accept you for who you are. To make this a successful program we need everybody to take hands e.g. partnership with corporate companies and other NGO’s, legal, financial and social support,” Boehme concluded.