SAPS Brings Anti-Bullying Awareness to Laerskool Vaalrivier

SAPS Brings Anti-Bullying Awareness To Schools

Barrage SAPS, in partnership with several government and community organizations, spearheaded a high-impact anti-bullying campaign at Laerskool Vaalrivier in Vanderbijlpark. With sirens blaring, police dogs in action, and heartfelt talks echoing in the school hall, learners received more than just a lecture—they experienced a life lesson on empathy, accountability, and community safety.

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Turning a Rural School into a Learning Playground

The day’s events transformed the tranquil, rural setting of Laerskool Vaalrivier into a dynamic hub of activity and anti-bullying education. As officers arrived with K9 units and Mounted Police, learners were visibly excited, but the mission behind the smiles was serious—to end bullying and empower children to speak out.

To make the message resonate, the event organizers divided learners into two age groups. Grades 1 to 3 enjoyed an interactive and friendly showcase featuring SAPS dogs and the majestic horses of the Mounted Unit. The younger pupils were allowed to interact with the animals, even grooming the horses. This hands-on experience aimed to build trust between law enforcement and the children, creating an atmosphere where safety feels approachable and not intimidating.

Tackling Tough Conversations with Senior Learners

Meanwhile, Grades 4 to 7 gathered in the school hall for a more serious discussion. The older learners engaged in focused sessions that covered key aspects of bullying, including:

• Identifying the signs of bullying.
• Understanding the emotional impact of bullying.
• Learning how and where to report incidents.
• Knowing the role of bystanders in stopping harmful behavior.

The discussion aimed to promote responsibility and equip learners with the tools to create a safer school environment. Officers encouraged them to speak out, report any red flags, and avoid becoming part of a culture of silence.

Anti-bullying Awareness: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach

SAPS didn’t tackle the issue alone. The Department of Social Development, Department of Health, Community Policing Forum (CPF), and Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Units all joined forces to address the complex roots of bullying. Each speaker brought unique insights and resources to the table.

Sergeant Sophia Gaboutlwelwe, the spokesperson for Barrage SAPS, explained the purpose behind the anti-bullying awareness initiative:

“We are conducting a drive on bullying in all our primary schools. We brought different speakers from Social Development, Health, FCS, and our various SAPS units to reach as many learners as possible.”

She added that the SAPS had received multiple reports from local schools about bullying—particularly from Grade 6 and 7 learners targeting younger children.

“We’ve realised that some of the root causes emanate from their homes, and they bring the same conduct to school. We felt it would be essential to speak to these kids before they find themselves involved in serious crimes,” she said.

Community Applauds the Anti-bullying Awareness Initiative

The anti-bullying awareness campaign received praise from school leadership and the local community. Henro Read, principal of Laerskool Vaalrivier, thanked the SAPS and supporting partners for their efforts.

“This is a great initiative, and I hope it continues in the future so that parents, teachers, pupils, and the community can be educated about bullying. This will help many schools to eradicate bullying, not just within school premises but in our communities as well,” he said.

A Step Toward Safer Schools

The anti-bullying awareness campaign at Laerskool Vaalrivier marks a crucial step in raising awareness and encouraging behavioral change among learners. By blending education with interactive demonstrations, Barrage SAPS and its partners created an experience that left a lasting impact.

As the anti-bullying awareness campaign moves forward to other schools in the region, it promises to foster safer, more respectful learning environments.