At the end of the 2023 delivery cycle in Diepsloot, Gauteng, educators, HOD’s and school principals were asked to share their impressions of the Action Breaks Silence Primary School Program end VAWG and the impact the program is having in their schools.
We received the following feedback:
“I am so grateful that we have been working together for the benefit of the children since 2021. Every day we are dealing with learners who face these issues. We have an incident book where students specify issues related to their challenges. A lot of learners have come forward about incidents in class or circle of friends. Students have mentioned “This one is doing one, two and three and we need to report this because it unacceptable. Please remind this person that what they are doing is unacceptable.” So, they understand. Gradually and slowly, they are absorbing the content discussed. If it wasn’t for that then we don’t think they would be participating [outside of program] as much in identifying wrong doings”.
- Life Skills HOD
“I think the Action Breaks Silence programs are increasing knowledge because they (the learners) gain much knowledge and understanding because I have seen change amongst my students. They now understand what is right and wrong. They can identify their own boundaries”.
- Grade 3 Class teacher
“This program is relevant and effective as the Grade 3 & 4 content focuses on gender roles & gender stereotypes”.
- Grade 4 Life Skills teacher
“This program will make them aware even in adulthood. I pray this information stays in their minds and hearts… pray they meet good people wherever they go. This program must just stay in schools, and it must go beyond just schools… it must go into the community”.
- Grade 7 Class teacher