After a mother witnessed her own daughters going through the trauma of being bullied at school, Maiveen Boehme initiated an anti-bullying project. She is the founder and director of the registered non-profit organisation, Project Brave Heart.
Knowing that your child is the victim of bullying is a truly traumatic experience. You feel helpless and at the same time your parental instincts kick in to protect your child and act.
“My daughters were severely bullied at school and going through that ordeal we realised that South Africa needs a much more comprehensive programme to attend to this huge social problem. Before you jump into action you need to prepare yourself in such a way to ensure you do the right thing. After all, you want to protect, help, guide and safeguard your child. The aim is to stop the bullying,” Maiveen explained.
Stories about cruel acts such as bullying in schools nationwide and in the Roodepoort community in particular often reach the ears of the community. In some of the cases in Roodepoort, Brave Heart has been hands-on in every way possible.
“Project Brave Heart has an amazing roadshow, but we are much more than that. We have extensive programmes to support schools,” she mentioned.
Working closely with the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and Western Cape Education Department (WCED), they initiated their guide course they designed using the DBE’s steps and other useful information.
What makes Brave Heart different from other programmes is the unique way they address these negative topics in a positive way with love, hope, empathy and understanding for all parties involved.
They are not only joining hands with schools, but also the community, other NGOs and other professionals to make sure they have an extensive network to deal with the problem.
“Project Brave Heart is not only for learners and their parents, but also for teachers and principals who are often either harassed or bullied by learners, parents or other colleagues. Our workplace-bullying programme will be released in due course and we even address bullying among the elderly,” she said.
Brave Heart’s iconic red heart lapel pins – which stand for strength and show that you stand up for yourself, those who are bullied, and even the bully – have become recognisable and are widely worn by young and old.
“We have created a massive movement with the public and created a #BRAVECommunity. Our long-term mission is that we look at one another differently – I see you and I accept you for who you are. Therefore we dare you to be #BRAVE and be part of the BRAVECommunity by becoming one of our #BRAVECitizens,” she said.
Imagine a community of love and giving one another hope again. Project Brave Heart aims to create such a community where hope and love are all over. “Our aim is that all South Africans will keep 10 or 20 hearts in their cars and when someone does a good deed, to give them a heart,” she said.
Project Brave Heart introduced a non-bullying day for South Africa, which was scheduled for 1 May.
“We do not call it an ‘anti-bullying’ day as we are not anti-anybody. On our national day we ask people to wear red for love, and blue for forgiveness, and we issue a challenge to the public to take our hand and make a positive change to the way we see one another.”
Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the non-bullying day had to be postponed.
In line with their slogan – ‘Where the heart is free to change’ – they have created a new and safe platform for all parties to share their hurt and to welcome change.
Anyone can visit their website at https://www.projectbraveheart.co.za for further information and can contact them at info@projectbraveheart.co.za.
