Sethunya Itumeleng’s journey to end bullying
Otlarongwa Kgweetsi | Monday November 25, 2024 11:54
A Standard 5 pupil at St. Mary’s English Medium School in Tlokweng, Itumeleng is already making waves with her debut book, Kago Stops Bullying! Her story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep desire to address the challenges children face in schools today. The book, Kago Stops Bullying!, tells the story of a young girl who is bullied but eventually saved by a friend who boldly stands up for her. Itumeleng, reflecting on her own experiences, shared her motivation to write the book. “I just wanted to stop bullying. It happened to me at some point in school, and I stood up to the bullies. Seeing it happening to others, I felt a need to raise awareness on it,” she said. For her, the book serves not just as a story but as a call to action, urging others to address bullying with courage and determination. Bullying remains a significant issue in schools, and Itumeleng has observed its many forms. She notes that body shaming, where children are mocked for being “fat” or “skinny”, is a common problem. Another form of bullying she highlights is rooted in social status, where children are sidelined based on their financial background or the clothes they wear. “Kids compete with clothes and money, sidelining the less privileged and bullying them,” she said.
Through her book, Itumeleng aims to empower children to confront these challenges and advocate for themselves and others. Itumeleng’s journey as an author and campaigner has been met with overwhelming support. “The response has been superb,” she said. “My teachers like my book and my peers at St. Mary’s have been very supportive,” she said. Balancing her academic responsibilities with her anti-bullying campaigns and her passion for modelling has been no small feat, but with the guidance of her mother and mentor, Itumeleng has managed to excel. “My mother helps me manage my time. During the week, it’s all about school, and on Saturdays, I go to Glory Modeling Academy at Molapo Crossing. Sundays are for church,” she explained. Itumeleng’s mother, who also serves as her manager, plays an essential role in ensuring that she remains focused on her priorities. “She makes sure I read, do my homework, and balance everything,” Itumeleng said.
Her mentor, Dr Paula O.M. Otukile, has also been instrumental in her journey, offering guidance in literacy work and publicity. “She advises and helps whenever possible, especially with my poetry and campaigns,” she added. Writing the book came naturally to Itumeleng, but the journey to publishing and distributing it was not without challenges. She noted that the rise of digital media has affected the demand for physical books, making it difficult to sell hard copies. “Hard copies are not much bought these days, except during campaigns or when sponsors buy for a cause,” she said. Despite obstacles, she remains committed to her mission. She continues to seek sponsorships to support her anti-bullying initiatives and hopes to use her book as a tool to raise awareness in schools. Itumeleng has big dreams for the future. She hopes to see Kago Stops Bullying! adapted into an animated series, bringing her story to life on screen. She also plans to write more books, focusing on topics that empower young girls. “I think a book about doing your best would be a great story to write,” she said. Writing, for Itumeleng, has been a transformative experience. “I’m now a role model, not just for myself but for others too,” she reflected.
Her advice to children experiencing bullying is simple, yet powerful: “Tell someone older about it. Don’t keep it to yourself.” Her faith has also been a guiding force in her journey, helping her stay calm and focused on her mission. “Faith and prayer help me to keep a level head in terms of behaviour,” she said. Her mother, Lesedi, encourages other parents to support their children’s talents and passions. “As parents, we need to be active and involved in enhancing our children’s talents. It’s never too late to start, whether we have resources or not. Kingdom helpers can be found along the way. Going to church with your child is another great foundation, as God’s foundation is the best,” she said. For Itumeleng, her journey as an author and advocate is just beginning. She dreams of reaching more schools, hosting campaigns, and donating copies of her book to spread her message further. She hopes to inspire other young writers to follow their dreams. “Just do it. Don’t procrastinate,” she said.
Her parting message to readers and supporters is heartfelt: “Buy books. If you don’t support us, who will?” she asked rhetorically. Itumeleng’s story is a testament to the power of courage, determination, and faith. At just 11 years old, she has become a voice for the youth, showing that age is no barrier to making a difference. Through her book and her advocacy, she is not just fighting against bullying but also inspiring others to stand up, speak out, and create change.