Riverlea High School in Johannesburg South is facing serious social problems like gangsterism, substance abuse, and bullying.
Recently, a tragic incident where a student was fatally shot in front of classmates has shown how urgent these issues are.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development, along with the South African Police Services (SAPS), has made Riverlea High School a priority for intervention. Together with other state agencies and local groups, they are working to find solutions and promote peace in the school.
Jane Baloyi, who leads the Child Protection campaign, says their main goal is to reduce crime in public schools, especially among grade 10 and 11 learners.
A joint effort by SAPS, SANCA, and the Teddy Bear Clinic found that Riverlea High School has a higher rate of crime than other schools in the area.
Despite these problems, there is hope because learners and teachers are willing to make positive changes. Baloyi praises their interest and commitment.
However, challenges remain, especially with parents supporting learners struggling with substance abuse.
Baloyi stresses that parents need to actively support their children to help them overcome these challenges, as their involvement is crucial in fighting crime.
John Dlamini from SANCA agrees, saying that collaboration is key to tackling substance abuse among learners. He highlights the success of partnerships with SAPS and the importance of counseling for learners.
One Grade 10 learner, who stays anonymous, shares her story of overcoming substance abuse with the help of Social Workers. She acknowledges the challenges of gangsterism at the school but emphasizes that parents should prioritize their children’s well-being over social activities.
As the school community comes together to address these issues, it’s clear that parental involvement and support are essential for creating a safe and nurturing environment for learners. With continued collaboration, there is hope for positive change and a brighter future for everyone.
