As the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children ended on Wednesday 10 December, the Peace Centre in Mowbray reflected on its work tackling violence at its roots through youth empowerment and anti-bullying programmes in Cape Town schools.
From anti-apartheid roots to peacebuilding
The Cape Town Quakers founded the organisation in 1987 as the Quaker Peace Centre. At the time, it focused on opposing the injustices of apartheid.
After 1994, the organisation shifted its work towards addressing violence and inequality. In 2018, it adopted the name the Peace Centre to reflect a broader and more inclusive mission aligned with democratic values.
Today, the centre operates according to Quaker principles of peace, equality, simplicity, truth and stewardship. It is registered as a non-profit and Public Benefit Organisation.
Equipping learners to challenge violence
Wendy Bonkolo-Fenako, anti-bullying programme coordinator at the Peace Centre, said the organisation focuses on equipping learners with practical tools to promote positive behaviour and reduce violence in schools.
“The Peace Centre’s mission is to increase the number of people willing to act against all forms of violence,” she said. “Through our anti-bullying work, we aim to change how young people relate to one another. In doing so, we empower them to take leadership in creating safer learning spaces.”
Programme reaches schools across Cape Town
This year, the centre reached about 320 learners through its anti-bullying programme. It worked with five schools across Cape Town.
Facilitators ran workshops and interactive sessions at John Pama Primary in Nyanga, Aldene Primary, St Andrews High in Elsies River and Bridgetown High. Meanwhile, Athlone High School will join the next phase of the programme.
From bystanders to peace ambassadors
One key outcome was the high level of learner engagement. In particular, learners previously labelled as bullies, victims or bystanders took part actively.
As a result, 152 learners volunteered to continue as Peace buddies and peace ambassadors. They committed to promoting peace and resolving conflict among their peers.
“These young people are stepping forward to lead change in their own communities,” Bonkolo-Fenako said. “Importantly, this shift from bystanders to advocates shows the programme’s impact.”
Challenges and the need for support
However, Bonkolo-Fenako said the centre continues to face challenges. The Covid-19 pandemic and the death of long-serving director Rommel Roberts in May last year affected capacity.
As a result, the organisation struggled to deploy facilitators and expand its reach. “We are now partnering with like-minded organisations to revive our work,” she said. “Ultimately, funding would be a game changer. It would allow us to sustain and grow what we have started.”
Beyond the 16 days campaign
The anti-bullying work forms part of the centre’s broader peacebuilding and education programmes. These initiatives aim to address the root causes of violence. In addition, they strengthen community bonds and promote social cohesion in under-resourced areas of Cape Town.
As the 16 Days campaign ends, the Peace Centre hopes the lessons learned will lead to lasting change in schools.
“When young people are empowered to act,” Bonkolo-Fenako said, “they send a clear message that peace begins with each of us.”
