Headline: How Umar Jones (10) defeated bullies

Written by Anele Zikali

Umar Jones (10) of Silverton in the Western Cape says bullying is a crime that needs to be stopped.

Jones, who has suffered at the hands of some of his schoolmates, now lives to tell the story of how he survived bullying.

“Join our anti-bullying team. Now is the time to put an end to this crime," writes Jones.

Coming back from school, sadly, Jones did not have fun stories to tell his parents as a young child would be expected. Instead, he had to tell them about sufferings he encountered.

"Random children from my school would punch, choke and call me names" recalls Jones who is in Grade 5 at Blossom Street Primary School.

His parents encouraged him to write down everything that happened to him, then report it to his teachers and to ignore the bullies.

Their advice helped him develop a bold attitude and only believe good things about himself.

Writing down incidents of bullying helped Jones to give clear information when reporting cases to his parents and teachers.

He encourages other children not to suffer in silence but to report bullying to trusted adults.

“No need to hide, no need to cry, what the bully tells you is a lie. No need to fight, no need to swear. Show the bully, you do not care!” writes Jones in his story.

Inspired by his experience, Jones entered the annual Story Stars writing competition that is hosted by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) for Grade 4 learners in 2022 and won.

His book titled Battling the Bully focused on how he overcame bullying. The story has an animated video on YouTube titled Story Stars 2023 and a book that is available online.

WCED MEC David Maynier said: "Umar's story- Battling the Bully! - has a unifying and inspiring message about bullying."

Signs of bullying that are not obvious to many people:

A person could stop participating and doing things that they normally do or like.
They may skip classes and miss out at school.
A bullied person may make frequent changes in their way to school or home and avoid being in the same place with the bully.
They may be made fun of by the bully that pretends to be just joking.

Enter the Story Stars competition

The competition is only for Grade 4 learners and teachers in Western Cape, the WCED encourages schools to participate in this year's competition.

The winner will walk away with a tablet, book bag and branded stationery.

Runners-up walk away with some gifts that include a tablet, book bag and stationery.

The teacher will get a R2000 gift voucher, book bag and stationery.

The school will receive a R10 000 transfer payment and teaching support material.

Competition Details

Closing date: 14 April 2023

E-mail entries: media1.media1@westerncape.gov.za

Subject line: Story Stars Essay Competition 2023

Hand deliver address:

Western Cape Education Department