In a bid to combat bullying in schools and promote a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect, the Equality Development and Research Centre (EDR Centre) recently organised an impactful anti-bullying training at Meadowlands Secondary School, Durumi.
The programme, which engaged students through creative and practical teaching methods, focused on educating them about the various forms of bullying and the crucial role bystanders play in preventing and addressing it.
The training went beyond addressing physical abuse, shedding light on less visible yet equally damaging forms of bullying, such as rumor-mongering, malicious gossip, and isolation.
Students were encouraged to recognise the harmful effects of these behaviours and were taught how to intervene as responsible bystanders.
The programme also stressed the importance of fostering positive connections, urging students to view their peers as valuable networks for future opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Marsha Nwanne, the Executive Director of EDR Centre, stressed the organisation’s commitment to addressing bullying both in schools and workplaces.
“At EDR Centre, we believe in addressing the root causes of bullying early. If we can teach students the dangers of bullying now, we will prevent them from growing into adults who perpetuate these harmful behaviors in workplaces tomorrow,” Nwanne said.
She also noted EDR Centre’s broader mission, which includes empowering workers to address workplace bullying through education, training, and advocacy.
According to Nwanne, the organisation’s holistic approach aims to create a ripple effect that benefits individuals, families, and society at large.
She noted that the EDR Centre will return to Meadowlands Secondary School to select five exceptional anti-bullying advocates among the students, explaining that the selected students will not only receive prizes but will also join the ranks of global anti-bullying advocates, connecting them to a larger movement dedicated to fostering safe and inclusive environments worldwide.
Nwanne said the centre will be distributing diaries to students, which will be used to document their experiences, reflections, and actions toward combating bullying.
These diaries, she noted, will serve as a tool for identifying the chosen five advocates who demonstrate the most commitment and impact.
The training at Meadowlands Secondary School, Nwanne explained, was part of EDR Centre’s ongoing effort to tackle bullying at its roots, equipping young minds with the tools to challenge harmful behaviors and create a brighter and safer future.
The school management expressed their gratitude to the EDR Centre team for the impactful training, noting that it had opened the eyes of students and staff to the far-reaching effects of bullying.
