NGO Trains 250 Counsellors to Tackle Bullying in Lagos Schools

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A non-governmental organisation, School Anti-Bullying Force, has trained over 250 counsellors across Lagos State’s six educational districts on tackling bullying in schools. The training, held at the University of Lagos, aimed to equip counsellors with the skills to help children identify, eradicate, and prevent bullying.

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According to the founder of the NGO, Mrs. MarieCollete Kekong, the programme aimed to create a safe place where children could learn unhindered. “The programme is to add to the knowledge these counsellors have. It is to teach them to help children identify bullying, eradicate it, prevent it and stand up against it,” she said.

Kekong emphasised that bullying is often a learnt behaviour, and children may pick up on it from their parents or environment. “When children are in a house, if they observe that their mom is either hitting their dad or shouting at their dad, they pick up all these behaviours. Children don’t listen to what you tell them, but they look at what you do.”

The NGO is also setting up anti-bullying centres and school anti-bullying force clubs in schools across the state. Kekong explained that the club’s idea is to encourage even children who are bullies to become anti-bullying heroes. “You know when you bully somebody, sometimes the bullied person might become a bully himself or herself.

At the centres, counsellors will be trained on effective listening to children. “Most times, some of these counsellors only know the theoretical part of counselling. However, there is the part where the child needs the one-on-one conversation, where the child will feel heard. That is the skill that we are trying to equip these counsellors with.”

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Kekong noted that the NGO had treated over 100 cases of bullying in both public and private schools, with all reported cases being treated. “We can treat those cases, and we follow them through to the end. We ensure that we help rebuild the child’s confidence.”

The NGO is considering partnering with the government to set up anti-bullying centres, which children will see as safe places. Kekong stressed, “I want governments to partner with us so that we can set up those anti-bullying centres across the state and nation.”

Dr. Rita Kienka from Lagos State Education District 3 noted that the state government has zero tolerance for bullying. “Counsellors are trained to curb the trait as much as possible.” Kienka emphasised that in extreme cases, the state would take the bullied children out of such situations and provide them with therapy.

Mrs. Tolu Fapohunda, an educationist and counsellor, noted that bullying usually comes from home. “Parents should be wary of what they do in front of their children.” Coach Ope Bankole, a personal performance coach, described bullying as an expression of someone’s internal insecurity towards another individual.

The training of 250 counsellors by the School Anti-Bullying Force marks a significant step towards tackling bullying in Lagos schools. With the support of the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders, the NGO aims to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.

As Mrs. Kekong emphasised, “We want to create a society where children can thrive without fear of bullying. We believe that every child deserves to feel safe and supported in their educational journey.”

The initiative is a call to action for all stakeholders, including parents, teachers, and policymakers, to join forces in preventing bullying and promoting a culture of kindness and empathy in schools.

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