Western Cape Junior Soldier Rally 2023
Bullying is a serious problem that can have lasting effects on the victim, the bully, and the witnesses. It is important to take steps to prevent bullying and to create a bully-free environment.
Additionally, young girls and boys face various potential issues within their homes, such as domestic abuse, poverty, and poor concentration levels. These issues further compound the challenges children encounter.
20% of students in grades 6-10 have been bullied at school in the past year
Problem Statement:
Bullying and child vulnerability, encompassing domestic abuse, poverty, and poor concentration levels, represent a widespread problem affecting children of all ages. According to the National Bullying Prevention Centre, 20% of students in grades 6-10 have been bullied at school in the past year. Bullying can take many forms, including physical, verbal, social, and cyberbullying.
These challenges can disrupt their performance in school and harm their relationships.
Impact:
Both bullying and child vulnerability have several negative impacts on the victim, the bully, and the witnesses. Victims may suffer physical and emotional harm, including anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. These challenges can disrupt their performance in school and harm their relationships. Bullies, too, may experience negative consequences, such as social isolation and academic problems. Witnesses to bullying may also be affected and potentially become bullies themselves.
Solutions:
Numerous measures can be taken to prevent bullying and create safe spaces for children. These include:
- Educating children about bullying: It is crucial for children to understand what bullying is, why it is wrong, and what to do if they are being bullied or abused or see someone else being bullied.
- Teaching children how to be heroes: A hero is someone who stands up to bullying and helps create a more bully-free environment.
- Encouraging positive behaviour: Corps, families and communities should promote positive behaviour and values, such as respect, kindness, and inclusion.
- Creating a safe and supportive environment: It is essential for Corps, families and communities to establish a safe and supportive environment where all children feel welcome and respected.
Response:
During the weekend of October 6-8, the Western Cape Division organized a camp with the goal of educating, empowering, and spiritually strengthening children to become heroes. The children enthusiastically participated in the weekend programme, believing they are ready to combat bullying and gender-based violence in their communities.
We extend our gratitude to God for each child and Corps that participated in the weekend. The children returned to their realities filled with the Holy Spirit, inspired to be as brave as David who fought Goliath. We are also thankful for the support of the Women’s Department, the Youth Department, our Divisional Headquarters, and our guest speakers, all of whom made this camp possible for the glory of God and the extension of His Kingdom.
