The low performance of learners from Ntlambela Primary School in Libode had led the school management team to try to find a solution by hosting an awareness campaign, with the aim of talking to the learners about things that could made them lose focus on their studies.
The principal of the school, Gcinumzi Ngodwana, said that after they saw the learners’ performance, they decided to talk to the members of school support based team (SBST).
“We found that some of them were dating people that they don’t even know on social media. We told them that they should be aware that this could put their lives in danger. I am worried because I am talking about learners who are only 12 years old,” said Ngodwana.
He confirmed that on this awareness campaign they spoke about rape, the risk of dating strangers on social media, risk/challenges of teenage pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases and risk of unsafe circumcision by young boys that is practised by the community.
He added that they had decided to host this campaign with the aim of allowing stakeholders to teach the learners how to overcome the various challenges.
“When it’s time to go to initiation schools, some of our boys just disappear and we find that even parents are saying they don’t know their whereabouts.
“When they come back from these schools, we become a target because they come and show disrespect in our schools.”
He also revealed that they would start the cultural practice of Inkciyo (virginity testing). He said they would not force learners to take part in this, but they want to encourage them to love and respect their bodies until they reach the right time of making their own choices.
“We would launch it very soon, but we want to engage with other people who know more about this initiative and also youth who would be an example about this journey and who would encourage them to focus on their studies.”
A member of Songe Social Change, Sphesihle Sobe, said the that parents should speak to their children to avoid teenage pregnancy. He said that their initiative also provided HIV testing and they also look at the sexually transmitted diseases, but they only do these things if the parent allows them to conduct these tests.
He said parents should know that discipline starts from home, so teachers are not supposed to teach children discipline but should be teaching them about schoolwork.
Sobe added that parents should pray for their children all the time.
