Students from Kirrawee High School and Kirrawee Public School have come together to help stop violence against women.
Earlier this year, Kirrawee High student Sharyn Davis came up with a bright idea – launch a buddy system to educate young people about the issues involved with White Ribbon Day.
The program, called Mateship, is now up and running and includes high school students in Year 10 meeting up with male students in Years 5 and 6 over a five-week period.
The program covers topics such as respect, mateship, dealing with conflict and peer pressure.
Another program has also been launched between the schools called Sisterhood.
Sisterhood sees female students in Year 10 educate other female students in Years 5 and 6 about topics such as respectful relationships, self esteem, being brave and assertive, bullying and peer pressure.
Kirrawee Public School assistant principal Melissa Oostdam said it was a great initiative.
“It has been a privilege to be involved in such a high-quality program,” she said.
“The camaraderie and respectful relationships observed throughout the implementation of the program have been wonderful to watch.
“The skills and messages received from the program are ones that will ensure that the students we educate today will be strong, resilient and respectful global citizens.”
White Ribbon Day is being held on Saturday, November 25.
A Sutherland Shire White Ribbon Walk is being held on Friday, November 24 starting at Woolooware High School at 9.30am.
