It was a matter of saying “enough is enough” when Rhodes Private School at Ondangwa rolled out the fourth phase of its anti-bullying campaign at the Nile Vocational Training Centre at Onethindi on Friday.
More than 200 pupils from Heroes Private, Wendy Private, Womalenga Private, and Chris Junior Private schools came together under the them ‘Today’s Bullies, Tomorrow’s Threats – Stop the Cycle Before it Starts’.
The day was not just speeches.
Pupils stormed the stage with role-plays, spoken word poetry and performances that hammered home the social and emotional harm caused by bullying.
Some of the acts left the audience stunned, others elicited applause, but the message was clear: bullying has no place in our schools.
“This campaign is about action,” was the observation of Rhodes Private School managing director Laurentius Haindaka. He says the wish is for pupils to feel empowered to act, not to keep quiet.
Onethindi Police Station commander inspector Kamati Handjaba has issued a stark warning: “Bullying is a grave offense. It can land you in trouble with the law. Be courteous, always.”
UniCare Clinic health expert Roli Lukusa reminds everyone that bullying is not just “kids being kids”.
“It can cause anxiety, depression and long-term mental problems. Parents, take note of signs and act early,” he says.
Keynote speaker Kenneth Haufiku, acting inspector of education for the Oshigambo circuit, drew on his own childhood experience as a bullying victim.
“I know what it feels like. Speak up. Silence only makes bullies stronger.”
Haufiku urged schools to set up anti-bullying committees where pupils will not fear reporting.
The event ended up as a colourful procession and with the clear message ringing across Ondangwa.
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