LA TRINIDAD, Benguet (PIA) — The Benguet Provincial Library conducted an informative session for pupils in an effort to raise awareness on anti-bullying among the youth.
A total of 44 elementary pupils in La Trinidad participated in the two-day informative session which aims to reduce instances of bullying in the community.
Psychologist Lemuel Botiwey, an employee of the provincial government, led the discussion of anti-bullying. He shared some experiences and lessons focusing on the prevention of bullying among their peers inside and outside the schools.
The session included a storytelling among the students who participated through the assistance of the librarians and film showing.
Botiwey said they have to explain what bullying is as many of the pupils are not aware that their words or actions against their schoolmates or other children that cause injury or discomfort are considered as bullying.
“We are starting to raise awareness especially to children kasi others, ang akala kasi nila sa bullying is just simple word na okay, hurting,” Botiwey said.
Through the initiative, there is a chance to make the children change and realize that what they are doing is bullying. With this, they can build up a good character and relationship with others in schools and in their communities, he added.
Librarian Delilah Bangao said they are willing to help and support educators and parents in building good character among children. Aside from the lectures and other strategies and activities started by Botiwey, she said they hope to incorporate anti-bullying topics on book reading sessions through the Book Lovers Club of the provincial library.
“We have storytelling, digital literacy, arts and crafts, games, book lovers club which are some of the regular activities conducted in the provincial library being offered for free for the children and the public,” Bangao said.
She added they also have a collaboration with parents and school teachers in order to help learners learn good values to help prevent bullying among children. (JDP/RMC with Ariann Mangayabas – PIA CAR-BSU Intern)
