Bokmakierie Primary in Athlone is one of six schools that will benefit from The Kind Heart Bench Project which will be launched on Thursday 17 November on Tanner Avenue in Crawford.
The project identifies bullying leading to mental health issues among learners for which the benches will create a safe space for the youth.
The other schools are Groote Schuur High in Newlands, Grove Primary in Claremont, Rhenish Girls High in Stellenbosch, Kannemeyer Primary in Grassy Park, Fairmount Secondary in Parkwood and Sans Souci Girls High in Newlands.
“With the support of the private sector and business, including other professionals and counsellors will help to address the issues around peer pressure, bullying and other mental health issues. Bullying leading to mental health issues is identified as another pandemic which should be condemned and be rooted out of the schools, colleges and universities to create a conducive learning environment for the learners, including work and public space,” says Bradley Bailey, founder of the project.
The Kind Heart Bench Project is about creating safe spaces for learners to engage and be engaged. It serves as a reminder that they are not alone, they are seen and heard.
“It is not only students who need this reminder, but also adults and even our pre-teens. Students leave the safe space and some come home to unsafe spaces. The bench at homes or schools is an extension and healing process. The intention is for the bench to be a constant reminder that we are not alone,” says Bailey.
According to him, the Western Cape is popularly known for its violence, gangsterism, GBV, drugs and abuse which leads to many social ills.
“The project emphasis is that we as a society can be that pillar, that backrest, the armrests, coming alongside students, bullied kids, those feeling depressed, marginalized, often forgotten folk, the homeless, the hungry, spreading inclusion, love and kindness – creating a new narrative, cultivating a hope that things can change and will change if we engage and work together and decide to be the change we want to see, really see each other – as human beings, saying you matter, that you have a destiny and purpose,” he says.
The bench and chair both come from the tree – giving life, hope, love, kindness, saying you matter, “I see you – I hear you” this being the start of the project.
“Being kind to others may directly impact mental health. People with mental health issues may be particularly vulnerable to negativity from others.
A kind word or smile might reinforce to someone that the world can be a positive place and that they are valued by others. This may help ward off feelings of hopelessness that can characterise conditions like depression.
“Young people have so much potential and given the chance, can create real change and impact in our schools, higher learning and communities.
“The next generation is the future and will become our future leaders and decision-makers and if we are to create a more inclusive, non-judgemental, and caring society in the future, we need to inspire and embed those values in young people now.
“By building the positive self-image required to maintain well-being and personal resilience, we can empower and inspire young people to realise their true potential as leaders and role models and this can have a positive impact on their future education and employment choices,” Bailey says.
- For more information contact Bradley Bailey at bradleybailey761@gmail.com
