Massive anti-bullying campaign gets ready to launch

Maiveen Boehme launched a non-profit company, Project Brave Heart, to combat bullying, inspired by being a victim to bullying in her school years, and seeing her daughters be subjected to the same behaviour, she told Letaba Herald.

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

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“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, take a stand against bullying.

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

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

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

“We encourage schools to contact us for information/ideas or to get 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 own Brave Community.

National Brave Heart Day will be the first-ever National Day to create awareness around the growing 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.

“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.”

For more information, contact them at info@projectbraveheart.co.za to find out how to become part of the inspirational campaign. You can also visit the following social media sites: www.facebook.com/projectbraveheart.co.za or www.instagram.com/projectbraveheart.

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