The bullying battle: Learners take centre stage

Desmarius Hansen
  • 10 Hours Ago
Bullying, especially among the youth, has now become so prevalent that it’s often accepted as a normal part of life, and as a community, we’ve become dangerously complacent. To address this issue, Windhoek International School (WIS) has joined forces with LearnOnOne to premiere their new show Behind the School Doors, which tackles the issue of bullying. The premiere took place at Future Media Studios on 30 May.



Drawing from real-life interviews, WIS students played an active role in shaping the script, fuelling the creative and developmental process with their passion and insights.



LearnOnOne is an initiative under OneAfrica TV, known for promoting youth-led educational content. Their collaboration with WIS marks a unique opportunity for learners to act, write, and produce a series that portrays the problems their fellow students experience daily.



“Bullying is a global problem, but it's deeply personal for most students,” said Ethan van Drunen, WIS Educational Director.



Behind the School Doors offers an unfiltered look into the realities of bullying from the learners' perspectives, especially since the script is based on real experiences shared by WIS students, adding to its emotional depth and relatability.



According to WIS theatre teacher Ms Diana Apria, the students participating in the play portray diverse characters, representing different races, genders, and ethnicities.



“OneAfrica is dedicated to telling stories that matter to our community,” said Sebastian Gowaseb, OneAfrica TV Production Manager. “Producing Behind the School Doors alongside the inspiring WIS learners allowed us to help amplify their important message. We believe this production will inspire positive dialogue.”



The series aims to elevate young voices, raise awareness, and spark conversations about fostering safer, more inclusive school environments across Namibia.