Rotary and Tuskies join hands against bullying

KNYSNA NEWS - In a powerful collaborative effort, Knysna High School and Rotary Knysna have embarked on an anti-bullying campaign to raise awareness about the detrimental impact of bullying on the youth.

The programme, that launched on Friday 8 September, has ignited a spark of change within the school community, encouraging learners to raise their voice through podcasts, skits and informative poster displays that shed light on various forms of bullying.

Spearheaded by Irmela Pakendorf of Rotary Knysna, this initiative has brought together the passion and dedication of educators and students.

The campaign's focus is to create awareness and understanding of the different facets of the plague of bullying in our society. Learners at Knysna High School put in tremendous effort, doing extensive research on the forms of bullying and effective ways to address them.

Through the medium of podcasts, students empowered themselves and their peers to speak out against bullying.

Cheryl Britz of the Knysna Community Police Forum, along with Kylie Humaira Khan, educator at Knysna High School.

By sharing personal stories, insights and advice, they aim to foster empathy, support and a sense of unity within the school community. The skits, performed with creativity and passion, are powerful visual representations of the harmful consequences of bullying, urging all to stand up against it.

The poster displays serve as educational tools that raise awareness about different types of bullying, including verbal, physical, and cyberbullying. These displays not only help students recognise the signs of bullying but also provide guidance on how to address and prevent such behaviour.

"We carry this campaign and it is being brought to other schools so that each school can participate in their own unique way to raise awareness," says Pakendorf.

"A large number of children are bullied every day and many walk around feeling that hurt for years to come. If we as Rotarians can say that our campaign has helped prevent the effects of bullying scarring a young learner for the future, then we will be proud that it has helped make a difference in someone's life."

The aim is that the campaign will gain momentum and expand to other schools in the area, with the hope of getting 1 000 learners to participate.

Together, Knysna High School, Rotary Knysna and other schools in Knysna are paving the way for a future that rejects all forms of bullying, supporting the growth and well-being of the youth and setting an inspiring example for others to follow.

Stakeholders involved in the day's programme were Knysna Rotary, Knysna Community Police Forum and Knysna Municipality.

Mark Mosdell, principal of Knysna High School with Cheryl Britz of the Knysna Community Police Forum.

The learners of Knysna High School all gathered in the Knysna High School Hall for the launch of the school's anti bullying program, in association with Rotary Knysna.

The learners of Knysna High School all gathered in the Knysna High School Hall for the launch of the school's anti-bullying program, in association with Rotary Knysna.