Learners have been urged to break the silence around bullying, gender based violence (GBV) and sexual assault by reporting incidents to teachers, parents or other trusted adults.

The call was made during the launch of the first phase of the GBV Awareness School Outreach Programme, which took place at Tshwaragano Primary School in Thokoza and Matsediso Primary School in Katlehong last week.

The programme, initiated by Phinda-Mzala Entertainment Project with support from the National Arts Council, aims to educate young people about GBV, bullying, sexual assault and their rights.

Grade 6 and Grade 7 learners at the two schools were encouraged to recognise different forms of abuse and to speak out when they experience or witness incidents involving violence, harassment or discrimination.

Independent auxiliary social worker Nelisiwe Matyolo told learners that respect was central to preventing bullying, sexual assault and GBV.

“Learners should always respect one another. Bullying often starts with seemingly harmless teasing before escalating into physical and emotional abuse,” she said.

Matyolo also warned learners against inappropriate physical contact and urged them to respect personal boundaries.

“Avoid touching others inappropriately while at school and, most importantly, respect each other’s boundaries,” she said.

The learners were also cautioned about the dangers of human trafficking, with Matyolo warning that young people can be vulnerable to strangers who may attempt to lure or exploit them.

“Something as simple as accepting a lift from a stranger can be dangerous. Never get into a vehicle with someone you do not know,” she said.

“Always prioritise your safety, whether you are at school or in your community.”

Childline South Africa social worker Agnes Khanye told learners that understanding and protecting their rights was an important part of preventing abuse.

“Do not allow anyone to violate your rights. Making fun of a person’s identity or physical appearance is a violation of that person’s rights and is a form of bullying,” Khanye said.

She explained that GBV could take different forms, including physical abuse, assault and discrimination based on a person’s gender.

“GBV takes many forms. Abusing or assaulting someone because of their gender is GBV, and discriminating against someone because of their gender is also GBV,” she said.

Khanye said educating children about GBV from an early age was important in efforts to address the problem.

The programme also provided learners with GBV awareness pocket manuals containing information intended to help them recognise abuse and understand where to seek assistance.

For 12-year-old Grade 7 learner Noxolo Mabaso from Tshwaragano Primary School, the programme provided a better understanding of GBV and the importance of reporting abuse.

“I learned that GBV affects many people across the country and can only be prevented if we treat one another with respect,” Mabaso said.

She said she now understood the importance of respecting other people’s privacy and reporting abuse.

At Matsediso Primary School, fellow Grade 7 learner Kamogelo Seqhaotsa, 12, said the programme had helped learners understand that bullying could take different forms.

“I now understand that bullying comes in many forms, and I should report it to my teachers whenever I witness it at school,” Seqhaotsa said.

She said she wanted to speak out against bullying and contribute to creating a safer school environment.

Phinda-Mzala Entertainment Project managing director David Mahlaba said the initiative formed part of the organisation’s National Disaster GBV Project, which consists of two phases.

The first phase focuses on the school outreach programme, while the second will use performing arts to raise awareness about GBV.

“We are currently rolling out the GBV Awareness School Outreach Programme. The second phase will focus on the performing arts,” Mahlaba said.

He said the organisation planned to develop a theatre production between January and July next year, with the production expected to be staged at the National Arts Festival in Makhanda.

The school outreach programme continued at Maitjibulo and Ukhanyiso primary schools in Katlehong on August 7 and is scheduled to conclude at Leratadima Primary School next week.

The organisers said the programme is aimed at ensuring learners have the knowledge and confidence to identify abuse, respect one another and report incidents rather than remaining silent.