WATCH: ‘We will be the men women run to, not run from’ – Bracken High boys

WITH a spike of cases of gender-based violence on women in South Africa, Bracken High boys have taken a stand against the ordeal.

The group of learners from Grades Eight to Eleven have touched many with their recent pledge that has been making waves on social media.

The pledge written by Wayne Tewson, a design and art teacher at the school, has caught the attention of many people. Its aim is to help young adults to become good men.

Through the pledge, Wayne hopes to change the perception of men about women and to mentor youngsters into adulthood.

He said: “During this women’s month, the media was full of stories about violent attacks on women; gender-based violence was the only thing you could see on the news.

“I was inspired to write something to hopefully change the perception of men, and also get them to inspire other men to be men of worth.”

Raising good men

He said as educators they need to realise that boys need positive role models in the classrooms.

“It’s all about creating good men. It starts from a young age, and if we’re able to guide them from their youth, then when they’re adults we won’t have to worry about any problem,” he said.

After having announced, and read out the pledge at the school’s intercom system, learners took it upon themselves to join those who shared an interest in reciting the pledge.

Those who felt strongly about the pledge stepped up and memorised it, which they later recited.

Please join us

Wayne commended the boys for stepping up and showing willingness to make a difference in the lives of others.

“It’s their initiative. At the end of the day, it was the written word from me asking them to make a promise. This is not an elitist thing. This is for every boy to take a stand in protecting women,” he added.

The school has never taken a similar pledge, which is why Wayne saw a need to take the lead in having the boys recite the pledge.

“I would like to put it out there that other schools should maybe write their own pledges. Let’s push this, starting with the youth and let’s see how far we can mentor our boys.”

In the pledge, the boys stated: “We are the future that will write the wrongs of so-called men that burn, beat, rape and destroy. We will build, uplift, protect and honour. We will treat all women with respect.”

WATCH:

The South African Human Rights Commission has provided tips to help victims of gender-based violence:

• Believe the person.

• Listen with compassion and do not judge.

• Offer practical support, such as accompanying the person to the police station.

• Share the gender-based violence number, 0800 428 428, so that they can call to get help.