Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC), Awka Diocese, has successfully concluded its six-week awareness campaign tagged “Say No to Bullies”, a project funded by JDPC Onitsha Ecclesiastical Province.
The pilot program, which ran across six schools—both primary and secondary—reached an estimated 3,500 students, who actively participated in the sessions.
The campaign was designed to address the rising cases of bullying in schools, sensitize students on the consequences of bullying, and promote a culture of respect and empathy among peers.
As part of the initiative, students were introduced to a poem titled “The Ten Commandments for Bullies”, which they recited repeatedly as a learning and behavioral guide. JDPC also established Anti-Bully Clubs in participating schools to ensure sustainability of the campaign, provided counseling for victims of bullying, and encouraged school counselors to continue follow-up programs.
In addition, fliers were distributed to reinforce the campaign’s message, while school principals were advised to have parents of children with bullying tendencies sign undertakings as a preventive and corrective measure.
One of the striking moments of the campaign came when a school principal revealed that he had once dealt with teachers who bullied students, noting that he addressed the matter by expelling those involved.
The campaign was well-received, with students expressing happiness and relief that such a program had been introduced in their schools.
