Finding a solution to school violence

With reported cases of school violence in school Windhoek, The Zone spoke to a number of experts in the field of learners to find out what can be done to curb violence.
Helene Bam
Tunohole Mungoba

Rocky Crest High School in Windhoek held a week long campaign to create awareness about the about the dangers of school violence. Alonushka Belokon, deputy junior mayor of Windhoek and head girl of the school, said that the campaign was to promote anti-violence.

“The initiative was founded by the first lady, Monica Geingos who is the founder of the #BreakFree campaign. “We pledged to believe and support women, men and children who have experienced any form of violence, encourage a culture of reporting violence, refrain from destructive behaviour, and to take care of ourselves and others physically and mentally,” Belokon said.

“It is very important that we take violence in schools seriously as it can contribute to an unhealthy environment within schools. Learners go through a lot of difficulties in schools especially with the pressure of examinations, but we should try to seek other methods of expressing our anger and frustrations,” she added.

Norah Kahuure, life skills and guidance teacher of Rocky Creast High School, says that parents should play an active role in their children’s lives. “Children in school are not self-motivated and they lack self-esteem. This can easily influence them negatively as they can conform to the dangers of the outside world,” Kahuure said.

She continued to explain that a contributing factor that put learners under pressure could be changing schools from primary school to high school. “This transition is extremely difficult as they are exposed to new people and sometimes this can corrupt good character. The challenges that they go through in high school are totally different to those experienced in primary schoo,” she said.

Kahuure advises parents to take up the role of being their children’s best friend. “Parents should make sure they are always listening to their children and should always make time for them. Sometimes, parents are not aware of the struggles their children face, because they are not involved in their lives,” she said. “We need to take time out of our busy schedules to make sure we put their mental and emotional wellbeing first.”

She said that children experiencing violence or partaking in it should seek help immediately and try to speak to someone they can trust. “Schools should invite motivational speakers to assist. Try and involve learners as much as possible by having them host fun activities like dramas, poetry sessions and information sessions by inviting experts in this field.”

What can be done?

Sanet Steenkamp, the permanent secretary of the ministry of education agrees with Kahuure and wants everyone to play a role. “Now more than ever, we as a society need to realise that as community leaders, parents and educators we need to actively be part of solutions,” Steenkamp said. “Parents need to look out for behavioural problems and act with authority and instil discipline.”

In addition to the #BreakFree campaign, grade 11 learners of Ella Du Plessis Secondary School in Windhoek also took a pledge to meet officials halfway by actively getting involved in putting a stop to school violence. The activities of the campaign kicked off on yesterday and coincided with the #BreakFree anti-violence special assembly, held at the school the same day.

Technical advisor in the office of the First Lady, Meunajo Tjiroze opened the assembly with a message on bullying and how she encountered bullying in secondary school.

She encouraged perpetrators to put a stop to bullying and said the youth should be taught how to exercise self-control and seek help for self-destructive behaviour. Grade 11 pupil, Martha Hailono said learners and teachers recently witnessed a fights sparked by tribalism.?

“We do not want people to be fighting in our school anymore and we are against violence, we want our school to stand together as a family. We do not want people to stand in groups according to race and tribes,” Hailono said.

She urged the youth and other schools to work together against violence and to put a stop to racism and tribalism, in turn being the role models for the generation of tomorrow.

Through the campaign, all learners pledged to put a stop to all forms of violence and discrimination by signing a pledge.



How to stop school violence:

• Praise and encourage children for their good behaviour.

• Make sure to highlight all their achievements and take pride in them.

• Reward children for their achievements and help them set positive goals.

• Always watch out for any sign of violent behaviour.

• Speak to a counsellor if the signs of aggression increase.

• Love and attention can treat most issues related to childhood trauma.

• Always show your child that you care and trust him.

• Be there for your child whenever he needs you.

• Make an effort to know your child’s friends.

• Arrange home parties and encourage your child to interact with his friends.

• Ask your child about his friends and what he likes or dislikes about them.

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Namibian Sun 2024-03-28

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