“IT’S time to end the silence around violence.”
Those were the words spoken by North Gambier Primary School Year 4/5 students making it their mission to spread the message that violence against women is not okay.
Learning about respectful relationships and what it means to be a “real man”, the class has touched on some important topics and will continue to do so throughout the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence.
Beginning their action on Friday at the White Ribbon Day breakfast at Frew Park, the students have a goal to help others in the school understand the message behind the campaign and how they can help create change.
“Violence is not just physical, it can be emotional too and if people know about respectful relationships from a young age, they will grow up and will not be violent,” student Hannah said.
With domestic violence widespread throughout the region, school counsellor Simone Badenoch said it was important for the students to understand what is right and what is wrong in a relationship.
“Some people at the school have lived with violence in their lives and that is why we are so passionate about this campaign,” she said.
“I am so proud of the students for what they have already achieved, it is amazing to see they want to create change.”
Over the 16 days, the students will undertake a number of activities including a random acts of kindness day, a cupcake fundraiser for the Limestone Coast Domestic Violence Service and a chance for boys and men at the school to paint the White Ribbon oath on the football posts.
However, it is also a chance for students to learn what each other would want in a future relationship.
Taking part in a “real man” activity, the girls and boys wrote out separately what they think a man should be like.
“Our views were different, the girls were more specific than the boys,” student Maurice said.
“But it was good to learn about it for when we are older and in relationships.”
Today, the students will take part in a whole school assembly, showcasing what they have learnt to other students and performing their dance to the this year’s theme song I Will Survive.
