The writer of this piece prefers to remain anonymous in the interests of her young daughter.
HARTENBOS NEWS - This week, 11 to 15 December, is Anti-Bullying Week in South Africa.
Bullying by teachers isn't extremely common, but it occurs more often than many people think.
It is a serious issue in some schools and can have lasting effects on learners.
Teacher, my child has forgiven you
At just eight years old, when we were still living in the Cape Winelands, my daughter faced a remarkable challenge that tested her strength and resilience.
In her first week of Grade 2, she came home feeling hurt and confused.
"Today, my teacher shouted at me and hit me on the head with a pencil," she whispered, her voice trembling.
We tried to reassure her, saying: “Maybe it was an accident. Let’s wait and see if it happens again.”
We desperately wanted to believe it was just a misunderstanding. (Little did we know, this was only the beginning of her abuse.)
Firstborn
My precious firstborn - the one who transformed me into a mother - is both delicate and strong, with a fiery spirit and a kind heart.
As weeks turned into months, the troubling events in her classroom continued to escalate.
With each story she shared, our hearts broke a little more.
Therapy
We met with her teacher, spoke to the principal and even arranged therapy, because her teacher insisted, “It’s all in her mind.”
Despite clear evidence and camera footage, we felt powerless. The frustration as a parent was overwhelming. But we refused to give up. We took every step, no matter how difficult, to protect our child and make sure her voice was heard.
Through all of this, our little girl faced these challenges with courage, and somehow, she still had the strength to forgive.
Her forgiving spirit inspires me every day. Together, we’re moving forward, filled with hope and courage.
A new beginning and journey to healing
On 30 December 2019, our family set out on a new adventure.
We packed up our life, left the Cape Winelands and moved to Hartenbos - my husband and I, with our two young daughters and our loyal German shepherd.
This move was more than a change of scenery; it was a fresh start, a chance to heal and grow as a family.
As our daughter began trauma therapy and play therapy, I realised there was a story within this experience that needed to be told: one of resilience, strength and the power of kindness.
Bullying doesn’t only affect the victim; it impacts everyone, creating a ripple effect known as secondary trauma.
But through this journey, I found hope in the way our family came together, and in the kindness and support we discovered along the way through strangers who soon became friends.
Writer
As a mother and a writer, I realised I could turn this experience into something that would inspire others.
That’s why I created Goofy Foot, a children’s book that will be published in 2025 about a brave girl who learns to surf and discovers her inner courage to stand up against bullying with a powerful: “No more!”
It’s a story that speaks to the heart of every child who feels different, showing them that they can find strength in their uniqueness.
Goofy foot is a stance where a person puts their right foot (instead of left) forward, contrary to that which is normal or established.
By sharing this story our family hopes to encourage every child to find their voice, to be brave and to know they’re never alone in their journey.
When I opened my mouth to speak, all I could do was sob.
My parents listened quietly and said, "It’s your joy she did rob."
Bullies are like thieves; they steal the joy from our lives.
They sow seeds of doubt, and we believe the dreadful lies.
Together we will arise.
My mom whispered warmly, "Not all of them are bad.
"Only a handful, which makes us so sad.
"The world is full of wonderful teachers who love what they do,
"Making a difference in the lives of young people just like you.”
(Excerpt from Goofy Foot.)
Misuses authority
Teacher bullying occurs when an educator misuses their authority to intentionally harm, intimidate, or belittle a student through repeated negative actions or behaviours.
This behaviour goes beyond reasonable discipline or constructive criticism; it involves actions designed to degrade, humiliate or unfairly punish a learner.
Examples include verbal abuse, public humiliation, unjust treatment or isolating a learner, all aimed at inflicting emotional, psychological or academic harm.
Unlike strict discipline, which seeks to guide or correct behaviour, teacher bullying stems from the teacher’s desire to exert control or express frustration, often at the expense of the learner's wellbeing.
A Story of Hope and Triumph
These past weeks have been filled with emotion and pride as I watched my daughter on the school stage, singing before her biggest audience yet.
That moment spoke volumes about her journey - about her resilience, her courage and the incredible support she’s had along the way.
Her new school, her principal, and her dedicated teachers have given her the freedom to rediscover her voice and let her light shine.
Blossom
They’ve nurtured her growth, embraced her uniqueness, and helped her blossom into a quiet, confident young woman. Seeing her stand tall on that stage, I felt a joy and pride beyond words.
I am forever grateful to the wonderful teachers in this community who have poured so much love and encouragement into the lives of both my children.
They’ve made a lasting difference, and their impact will be with them always.
The power of a teacher
When I was my daughter’s age, I had a teacher who changed my life, a teacher I will never forget.
Mr Ward, my maths teacher and athletics coach, was strict yet gentle, with a steady strength that encouraged us all. Most importantly, he believed in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself.
That belief gave me a fighting chance, pushing me to reach for more than I ever thought possible.
Institutions may come and go, but it’s the people within them who make all the difference. Teachers have an incredible power to shape lives.
So, I ask: Do you want to be the teacher everyone remembers with gratitude and respect, or the one they choose to forget? The choice to make a positive impact lies in your hands.
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