Ondangwa school hostscampaign against bullying

THE Rhodes Private School at Ondangwa presented its third edition of an anti-bullying campaign on Friday, under the theme ‘Be a Buddy, not a Bully’.

The annual campaign raises awareness of bullying and educates pupils about the growing societal scourge.

This year, the campaign was aimed at educating pupils to handle bullying, what it means to bully, the types of bullying and the effects of bullying.

The campaign also involved the Namibian Police to send a strong message to pupils regarding bullying.

This year, the school was joined by a representative from the Oshikoto police, inspector Heinz Nakashani and fellow officers.

Nakashani illustrated the three different types of bullying: physical, verbal and social bullying, while his associates touched on theft and discipline.

Managing director of the school Laurentius Haindaka said the purpose of the campaign is for all pupils, particularly the new ones, to know that the school does not tolerate bullies, to advocate for a bullying-free zone and to walk with confidence.

“The campaign educates our new learners, as most do not know how bullying takes place or how it affects the next person,” said Haindaka.

The third annual campaign was held in conjunction with the Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, under the Oshikoto police, led by commissioner Teopolina Nashikaku.

“We continue calling upon other schools to join in on the fun and educate learners in the subject. It may seem like a small topic, but it’s for a big cause, and we will continue doing so every year until the message is heard by all other educational institutions,” Haindaka said.