A Workshop on Bullying at Casa Esperanza
At the end of June, two of our teachers took a proactive step in addressing a pressing issue within our educational community by conducting an insightful and impactful workshop on bullying. Held over two days, the workshop aimed to shed light on the complexities of bullying, its various forms, and ways to combat it.
The workshop was thoughtfully divided into two groups based on age: the older students and the younger ones. On the first day, the older students engaged in a brainstorming session to create a mental map of their understanding of the term "bullying." This activity not only helped clarify their perceptions but also served as a foundation for deeper discussions. Meanwhile, the younger children participated in a poignant exercise involving paper hearts. They were asked to explain what should be kept in our hearts, crumple the paper heart, and then try to restore it to its original state. This metaphor highlighted that once a heart is damaged, it can never be fully restored, emphasizing the lasting impact of bullying.
The workshop covered various types of bullying, including physical, psychological, cyberbullying, and verbal abuse. The discussions revealed that many students had personal experiences with bullying, though they were often hesitant to specify the reasons behind their suffering. It was particularly moving to see how discussions around teasing and discrimination based on skin color, clothing, and physique resonated with the students.
To deepen their understanding, the groups watched a video depicting the effects of bullying on an individual. This visual representation underscored the emotional damage caused by bullying and reinforced the importance of empathy and kindness. Lucy, one of MdC’s Teachers, used the exercise of squeezing out a tube of toothpaste, illustrating that once harm is done, it cannot be fully undone, even with apologies. You can’t re-stuff a tube of toothpaste that has been squeezed out. She advised the students to remember a rule for constructive criticism: "If it’s something that can’t be changed or fixed within 30 seconds, don’t say it."
On the second day, the workshop shifted focus to prevention strategies, emphasizing the importance of resilience and friendship. The students learned that fostering a supportive and friendly environment can significantly reduce the likelihood of bullying. They were divided into teams to create anti-bullying campaigns. The older group designed a poster featuring a catchy slogan that would be displayed around Casa Esperanza, while the younger group crafted bracelets with their campaign's message to distribute among classmates and staff.
The workshop proved to be highly beneficial, as many students gained a deeper understanding of bullying beyond mere mockery. They were surprised to learn about subtle forms of bullying, such as exclusion and covert negative talk. One particularly touching moment was when a young boy described cyberbullying as "sending angry faces by message," highlighting how different forms of bullying are perceived and understood by children.
Overall, the workshop’s goal was to reinforce the message that everyone is unique and valuable, as we are all created in our own special way. No one has the right to diminish someone else’s worth based on differences.
We are thankful for our teachers and leaders at Casa Esperanza who are committed not only to the education of our students, but to the health of the community as a whole. By fostering an environment of respect and empathy, our teachers have taken a significant step toward creating a more inclusive and supportive community at Casa Esperanza.
