Vicky Prithraj is the chairman of the Funda Zophila Foundation. He presents the Edu-Assist Awareness Programmes on bullying and abuse and ensures that they are done correctly. He regularly hosts discussions with the provincial school coordinators and with the assistant director for the national office for basic education to update them on progress and problems experienced at schools with the running of the programmes.
Chatsworth Tabloid (CT):
Tell us about the Funda Zophila Foundation
Vicky Prithraj (VP): The Funda Zophila Foundation is a registered non-profit organisation with the Department of Social Development. We are a Section 18A approved organisation. Funda Zophila runs Edu-Assist Awareness Programmes on bullying and abuse at schools throughout South Africa. We rely totally on funding from the public, businesses and corporates to make this possible. The programme is done with students and Life Orientation educators. We refer to this part of the programme as the TAT programme- Tell a Teacher programme. The TAT programme is done through the Teaching Tool Kit (primary schools) which helps in making the lesson funny, enjoyable and exciting. All programmes are based on the simple abbreviation that we call K.I.S.S meaning Keep It Super Simple.
CT: Why do you think that bullying is such a problem?
VP: Students are bullied for a lot of reasons. Sometimes they are bullied because they are different or because they are clever or popular. It can be caused from differences in race, sexuality, religion, disabilities, weight, height or anything that creates a difference between one child and another. At other times, they are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. Students who bully sometimes have problems or are unhappy. They may be trying to make up for a lack of attention, power or love in their own lives. These students need to feel powerful and seem to enjoy harming others. They often do not understand the feelings of the person they bully.
Those who persistently bully often do so in order to dominate others and improve their own social status. Bullying often comes from a belief that it’s okay to act that way. Sometimes, they don’t even know that what they are doing is bullying behaviour or they don’t understand how much hurt and anxiety they cause.
CT: What does a typical day in your life entail?
VP: I get up at 4:30am, shower, read my Bible and spend time praying with my wife. I then take my daughter Sarah to school. We call
this our daughter and father time where she uses the time to discuss everything that’s on her mind. I get back to my office, pray with my staff and I then make a call to check on how my son Ryan, who is a lawyer, is doing in Cape Town. I check my day’s to-do-list and then make calls to various business sectors to assist with funding so that we can continue with the programme and have it printed in other languages.
CT: How can the community help to reduce bullying?
VP: When you see something do something, hold bystanders accountable, listen and don’t pre-judge, deal with students individually, don’t ignore it and pay attention.
CT: How can people get help if they are bullied?
VP: Funda Zophila Foundation helps with counselling. We work closely with Childline KZN and the South African Police Service as well as other religious institutions who are willing to assist. If assistance is needed by a parent of a child that is bullied or abused we can be contacted via WhatsApp or SMS on 082 909 7869 or you can email me on info@bullyboogie.co.za.
By Yashika Ramautar YR: Describe your typical morning from the time you get up. JN: I’m not really a morning person, but my TV shoots often start quite early, so my mornings are invariably rushed, with me literally flying around the house trying to get ready on time. Brush my teeth, shower, hair, make-up, dress up, (I often change clothes a couple of times before I’m completely satisfied). Breakfast is a bowl of cereal with some yoghurt, a cup of green or rooibos tea and a banana. And then I'm off! YR: How long does it take you to get dressed, from after your shower to looking all glam? JN: About an hour and a half...although I've learnt to do it in about an hour if I have to. YR: What are some of your favourite Indian dishes that you can prepare yourself? Can you make Woorunde or any sweetmeats? JN: I’m better at cooking than baking. I make a great curry. Although, as far as Indian sweetmeats are concerned, I make the best Chana Magaj. Got the recipe fr...
Singing siren Jae is back in town... Durban R&B beauty, Jae best known for her smashing debut solo single, "I'm missing you", is back in town performing at Surfs Up at Barnyard Theatre. Durban North News grabbed the opportunity to catch up with the three time SAMA nominee and find out what she is really about. DNN: So Jae tell us, when did you get your first big break as a singer? J: I didn’t get a big break, I created my own. I always thought I’d be ‘spotted’ by a talent scout and I’d become a star instantly. I was so wrong and had many disappointments. When I lost my dear sister, I wanted to quit music, then remembered how much she wanted to see me succeed, so I pulled myself together, had a new motivation and started my own record label with my manager and business partner. DNN: From the beginning of your career till now, what has been your biggest highlight? J: I have many... hearing my own song on radio for the first time was priceless, meeting and si...
From healthcare to education, the Democratic Alliance’s Dr Imran Keeka’s passion for his job is unwavering. A family man, who tries to separate politics and leisure, he remains caught up in his drive to strive for a better South Africa. And….a succulent medium to well steak with a good espresso helps him unwind Tabloid (T): From healthcare to education, how is that transition going to be like for you. Say the name Dr Keeka, and you remain associated with healthcare because of the work that you did. Dr Imran Keeka (IK): In politics, there are leadership decisions that we abide by. Being appointed as the health spokesperson was a leadership decision in as much as is my appointment - by my caucus leadership - to education. My job and responsibility is to do the best I can to serve every South African. A big part of my job is to make sure that the provincial executive is held accountable. The executive and the governing party cannot make promises and commitments an...
Comments
Post a Comment