By Elizabeth Osayande

Wellspring College has launched its maiden anti-bullying campaign with a walk and two keynote lectures to raise awareness about bullying and how it can be addressed. The campaign, themed “Zero Tolerance to Bullying,” was aimed at creating awareness about the dangers of bullying and how to stop it.

The Executive Director of Wellspring College, Mrs Ewere Akwukwaegbu, highlighted the importance of engaging parents and other stakeholders in the campaign. She said, “As a school with zero tolerance to bullying, we know that it goes beyond the school.

So, while we have a stance on bullying, it is also important we engage stakeholders and other people who are related to us in the fight against it. This will enable us to address bullying not just within the school, but outside on a larger scale.”

Mrs Akwukwaegbu also noted that the school plans to continue the campaign as it is important to keep the conversation ongoing. “There is a lot for us to learn to be able to identify bullying, stand up, and take action for ourselves and others,” she said.

The Principal of the school, Mr. Innocent Agofure, emphasized the need to carry stakeholders along in the fight against bullying. “We are using this walk to drum up support and confidence in our parents and in the larger society that our school is against bullying,” he said.

As part of the campaign, experts were invited to speak on the impact of bullying on child development, family values, and school life. Mrs A.O. Lawal spoke to parents and the school’s community on “Bullying as it affects child development, family values, and school life,” while Dr Adeyinka Adebiyi spoke on “Creating a safe and healthy school as a tool for national development.”

One of the parents, Mrs. Olusola Aina Folashade, expressed delight over the walk and talk sessions of the campaign. “This exercise is a call to people, some among them may not know that they are bullies.

“It is good to know the behaviour that constitutes bullying, to tackle it. So, if the society can come out like this to say no to bullying, it will go a long way,” she said.

Below are more images from the event: