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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe Peace Centre\u2019s mission is to increase the number of people willing to act against all forms of violence,\u201d she said. \u201cThrough 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This year, the centre reached about 320 learners through its anti-bullying programme. It worked with five schools across Cape Town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One key outcome was the high level of learner engagement. In particular, learners previously labelled as bullies, victims or bystanders took part actively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese young people are stepping forward to lead change in their own communities,\u201d Bonkolo-Fenako said. \u201cImportantly, this shift from bystanders to advocates shows the programme\u2019s impact.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a result, the organisation struggled to deploy facilitators and expand its reach. \u201cWe are now partnering with like-minded organisations to revive our work,\u201d she said. \u201cUltimately, funding would be a game changer. It would allow us to sustain and grow what we have started.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The anti-bullying work forms part of the centre\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As the 16 Days campaign ends, the Peace Centre hopes the lessons learned will lead to lasting change in schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhen young people are empowered to act,\u201d Bonkolo-Fenako said, \u201cthey send a clear message that peace begins with each of us.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The Peace Centre empowers Cape Town learners through anti-bullying programmes that address violence at its roots beyond the 16 Days 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