BY BAKANG MOKOTO EIGHTEEN Schools across Taung embarked on a peaceful march to address socio-economic issues affecting learners. The march was organised by Care and Support, Teaching and Learning (CSTL) structure which is part of North West Education and Development department. The initiative commenced from Anglican Church towards Batlhaping High School on Friday. Learners from various schools held placards depicted with various messages like stop bullying, HIV and Aids affect us and others. CSTL coordinator in Dr Ruth Mompati region, Simon Nenzani said many learners are facing socio-economic challenges especially at schools. He said that affect their studies and the initiative was inevitable. “It was imperative for the North West Education and Sport Development department to come up with this initiative. The aim of the programme was to raise awareness within the community of Taung. The initiative addresses socio-economic issues as well as health related matters affecting the society. “Our learners are members of the communities and we want them to be aware of those challenges. This will assist them to stay in school and know what is expected from them. The structure has also engaged with various stakeholders to address these societal issues,” he said. Nenzani further said the engagement also strengthen relationship between educators, learners and communities at large. He added that the department believed that societal issues need to be addressed broadly to build a better society. “We have issues like drug and substance abuse, crime, bullying, teenage pregnancy, HIV and Aids. The initiative addresses all those barriers that contribute to lack of concentration on our learners. It is also important to remove all risky behaviour associated to our learners. Parents play a pivotal role in their children’s lives. They are first line of educators from home before learners come to educational system. “We need to work collectively and ensure that we take care of our learners before is too late. The education system also works together with Social Development, Health departments including the South Africa Police Services (SAPS) and National Interfaith Council of South Africa (NICSA). When learners are equipped with education, no darkness can creep in. We have empowered all schools across the Dr Ruth Mompati region and they are implementing Peer Education and Soul Buddies programmes,” Nenzani. According to research,schoolchildren are particularly vulnerable in classrooms. Two 2012 Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention surveys showed that 44.3% of threats, 51% of assaults, 54.2% of sexual assaults, 60.2% of robberies and 91.5% of thefts all took place in a classroom. The next highest place of danger was a sports field, where 25% of threats took place, 24.8% of assaults, 13.2% of sexual assaults, 14% of robberies and 4.6% of thefts took place. Other locations included corridors, toilets, school gate areas, other open grounds, halls and a small proportion in a principal’s office. Grade 11 from PH Moeketsi High School, Tebogo Dibakwane said: “We learnt a lot through this initiative. It is a blessing to talk about things that affect our daily life. We also learnt on how to socialise with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. I also urge those learners who experience bullying to report it.” “Koketso Moncho, 14 from Pinagare High School said: “Our society is faced with many challenges especially learners. We have peer pressure where a learner will engage in other things that are irrelevant simply because his/her friends are doing them.” Kgosietsile Lethola High School learner, Rebaone Diseko shared the same sentiments. Diseko said learners should take a stand and ensure that they improve their lives. “The future is in our hands and we need to work hard before we engage in things that can ruin our lives. Sometimes it is hard to avoid the temptations, but I believe with our parents guidance, we can produce future leaders,” Diseko said. taungdailynews@gmail.com