SCHOOL gang violence and fighting between learners from neighbouring schools are dangerous
practices that must come to an end.
What may begin as a disagreement, an insult or a long-standing school rivalry can quickly escalate into serious injury, arrest or even loss of life. Our schools must be places of learning, growth and opportunity — not battlegrounds.
The cost of school rivalries can be devastating
The painful consequences of school-related conflicts remind us that violence is never a harmless
game. When young people fight to defend a school’s reputation or settle a grudge, they risk their
own lives and the lives of others. A single moment of anger can change several families’ lives
forever. Is any rivalry worth a life being lost? The answer is no.
Students must refuse to be drawn into dangerous groups or confrontations. Peer pressure, pride
and the desire to appear tough should never determine the choices you make. Carrying weapons,
threatening others or participating in a fight is not a sign of strength. Real courage is shown by
walking away from provocation, calming a tense situation and seeking help from a trusted teacher,
school administrator, parent or other responsible adult.
Learners from neighbouring schools are not your enemies. They are young people like you, with
hopes, talents, families and ambitions. The uniform you wear or the school you attend should never
become a reason to hate, threaten or harm another person. Healthy competition can motivate
students to perform better in the classroom, on the sports field and in other activities. It must never
become an excuse for violence.
Choose education over violence
Every learner has a future worth protecting. Instead of spending time planning fights or responding
to insults, use your energy to prepare for examinations, develop your talents, build positive
friendships and contribute to your community. Academic achievement and personal growth will
open more doors than school grudges ever could.
Schools, parents and communities also have a role to play. Adults should take reports of threats and
planned fights seriously, encourage learners to speak up early and work together to resolve conflicts
before they escalate. Schools can reinforce clear expectations about violence, provide guidance and
counselling and promote joint activities that help learners from different schools build mutual
respect. Any immediate threat or weapon should be reported promptly to responsible adults and
the appropriate authorities.
A message to every learner
Do not fight to prove your loyalty. Do not allow yourself to be provoked into a decision you may
regret for the rest of your life. Do not become a victim or a perpetrator of violence. If a
confrontation is developing, move away to safety and seek help rather than joining in or filming and
encouraging the fight.
Your future is far more important than a school rivalry. Choose peace over pride, dialogue over
revenge and education over violence. The generation that refuses to continue this cycle can help
make schools safer for everyone.
REFUSE TO FIGHT. REFUSE TO BE PROVOKED. CHOOSE PEACE. CHOOSE EDUCATION.
CHOOSE LIFE.
Let us break the cycle of school gang violence and build a culture in which every learner can study,
grow and pursue their dreams in safety
Dr Manners Msongelwa is an author, educator and youth coach. He can be contacted on
+263 771 019 392
