STAND UP SPEAK UP!

Thabazimbi – Childhood bullying can negatively affect a person’s entire life, as kids who are bullied often experience lasting negative physical, social, emotional, academic, and mental health issues.

On the other side of the coin, kids who bully others tend to engage in violent and other risky behaviors into adulthood. To nip bullying in the bud, Roosevelt Academy learners and educators conducted an anti-bullying march on Friday 9 June 2023. 

“Roosevelt Academy, which teaches learners from Grade RR to Grade 7, opened its doors in January 2023. As a new school, we have not experienced any incidents of bullying, but because bullying is a problem which quickly takes root, we decided to raise our learners’ awareness on the matter,” said Roosevelt educator Renette Nel.  

With the school bus in tow, the proactive march started at 09:00 on Friday morning. Roosevelt Academy learners made a stop at Pick n Pay and Thabazimbi Spar, where they sang the song ‘God made you beautiful’ (Die Here het jou mooi gemaak) by Bernice West.

According to Nel, the song was chosen because it perfectly describes how each and every person is perfect in his/her own uniqueness, as it is God’s will. During the march the school’s learners had the opportunity to raise their personally made banners which displayed their thoughts on bullying.

Nel says that the school also hoped that the march would raise public awareness so that kids and parents feel more comfortable to open up about the serious topic of bullying.

The successful march concluded at Thaba Park at 11:30, whereafter learners took the bus back to school. Roosevelt Academy’s initiative served as a great reminder that true happiness resides in our ability to love others!  

#FosteringASenseOfCommunity