Tackle bullying

Buccleuch-based mother of two Lee-Anne Govender hosted her second anti-bullying workshop on 31 August.

The workshops are aimed at addressing the issue of bullying at school level and in various communities. The first anti-bullying workshop she hosted took place on 19 July when she had seven learners.

Govender said she started the workshop after she discovered that one of her children was being bullied at school, “Being bullied is not a nice feeling at all, I know about it, I was bullied as well.

“Also the violence that takes place at schools, at times it has been disturbing. When I came across the news that one learner was stabbed to death at school, that’s when I decided that something needs to be done.”

She outlined the importance of this workshop, “If we can educate our children from a young age, they can do better and at least try to minimise the level of bullying.”

Govender explained how the previous workshop turned out, “It was an absolutely fun-filled afternoon of learning for the children. I loved every second of it – the interaction, the role-playing and the questions.

“I think learning with your friends makes it all the more exciting.

“We covered topics such as what is a bully, the four types of bullying, understanding and how to handle bullies and, lastly, how to change from a bully to a buddy.”

Govender encouraged parents to engage more on these topics. “I would also like to empower and equip women to start these initiatives in their neighbourhood.

“It’s impossible to change the world but it is possible for me to change my world and that is anyone who comes into contact with me. The more lives I touch, the happier it makes me feel.”

Related articles:

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/232160/bryanston-high-introduces-app-to-report-bullying/

https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/222490/cyberbullying-facebook-friday-online-chat/