Plans to use schools as safe space

As the need to fight gender-based violence grew bigger, Vodacom and the government joined hands on August 12 as part of an initiative where they would use schools to end the scourge in communities.

Working with respected scholars of psychology from reputable institutions such as the Stellenbosch University, Vodacom was doing group and individual intervention sessions with learners, teachers, school governing bodies (SGBs), youth and women formations to address and educate them using specific modules that covered gender-based violence (GBV), bullying, self-esteem and violence, to ensure that the training was steeped in science and the latest research.

The programme works as follows: A trained social worker would be stationed at a school and whenever a learner or anyone feeling violated felt they needed help or more information, they could go see them.

Vodacom executive director for corporate affairs South Africa Takalani Netshitenzhe said Vodacom’s gender-based violence programmes focused on prevention, response and victim support.

She said response was through the ‘gender-based violence command centre’ in Pretoria and victim support was through digital literacy Vodacom provided in the shelters for victims and survivors of gender-based violence.

“The Bright Sky Application is part of our prevention strategy. The increase in GBV cases across the globe is of great concern because it means that all the messaging and campaigns that the social partners [government, civil society and business] are putting out, are not bearing enough fruits – of course, South Africa is in a league of its own in this respect, our statistics are shocking. Campaigns alone are not sufficient; we need more action – rigorous prevention and response,” she added.

Netshitenzhe added that those who had gone through the programme had a responsibility to share knowledge with family, friends and other community members. Thus, over time, every learner would carry the light and inspire many to become forces of positive change.

Khazamula Chauke, principal at W.F Nkomo Secondary School in Atteridgeville, commended Vodacom and government for their joint effort, adding that the initiative was a great one because children spent more of their time at school than they did at home.

“If, at school level, there is this kind of help that will somehow try to shape the children’s behaviour, going back home, I think this will – whether we like it or not – influence what happens at home. As soon as they realise there is help at school, then the school will be a safe place for them,” concluded Chauke.

Details: For more information, contact Vodacom Corporate Office 011 653 5001.