Anti-Bullying Week

Submitted by Flava Crew on Sat, 28/11/2009 - 13:52
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100_0994.JPG This week is Anti-Bullying Week, and schools across the country are taking part in numerous activities to prevent bullying and encourage pupils who are being bullied to speak out. 

Flava who are perhaps best known for reaching the semi-finals of ITV's 'Britain's Got Talent' in 2008 achieved national recognition and capitalized on this hard earned opportunity to do what they love, which is, to dance and perform. 

 

The team have recently completed the first stage of a six week tour of 35 primary schools and local youth projects with in the community of Newham reaching out to around 5,000 young people. This programme achieved a raising awareness around the impact and consequences of gun and knife crime bullying and peer pressure. The format educates young people in how thier actions affect other people. Young people feel valued and heard and are inspired to share their opinions as well as learn to express themselves through performance and dance. 

 “I learnt many thins, one of them was, that it only takes one person to stop a bully." 

Michael, aged 10 - Essex Primary    

This Thursday the 18th of November the team are holding their official launch for year 9 students across the Borough at the "The Rex" in Stratford. The programme, which has been introduced by Newham Police and supported by LBN, will tackle issues around anti social behaviour, gun and knife crime, confidence building and bullying for children and has been adapted to suit an older age group. 

"Our aim is to highlight the affects of Anti Social behaviour to young people! National Anti Bullying week is perfect platform for us to launch this programme with the secondary schools students." 

Becky, Flava member     

This Project has been funded by the Met Police and the home office community fund that it is funding projects which tackle gun, gang and knife crime. 

Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales said: "This is a fantastic scheme that has really captured the imagination of our young people. Its is magnificent to see the project progressing so well and I would like to thank everyone involved in making this happen. We welcome any activities that divert people from anti-social behaviour." 

Sgt Bob Dubar who implemented the workshops said, "This is an excellent opportunity for police to engage with young people showing the potential that young people have to change society for the better." 

"We're extremely pleased to be able to bring them back into schools for a second year as the children responded so positively to the earlier sessions."