Hateless speaks to RETSD kids

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/11/2015 (3812 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Sometimes, a song can go a long way to promoting a positive message.

From Nov. 16 to 27, students across River East-Transcona School District took in Bullying Awareness Week performances from Hateless, a Winnipeg-based organization that delivers its message through personal stories, music and interactive presentations.
Launching in 2013, Hateless has taken its message across Canada.

“We hope to reach both the bullies as well as the bullied,” Sangeetha Nair, co-founder of Hateless, said. “We feel like there’s always a reason why people bully other kids. Sometimes adults or even their own parents may not see it as bullying. By talking about it and identifying what it look like, maybe that will help them identify their actions. We hope that we will reach out to them as well.”

“For people who are being bullied, we hope they can find mental help support,” Nair added. “We talk about where you can get help and where they can call, so they have options.”

“We’re really happy that Hateless could come out and reinforce the anti-bullying messages that are such an important part of creating a safe and caring school,” RETSD superintendent Kelly Barkman said.

Barkman said the personal nature of Hateless’ presentation was key to their success at spreading the anti-bullying message effectively.

“The Hateless presenters talked about how bullying affected them,” Barkman said. “I think hearing their personal stories firsthand had a real impact. These kinds of events, along with the behaviour strategies we already use in our schools, go a long way to preventing bullying.”

“It shows kids a way for kids to channel their emtions in a positive way,” Nair added. “Our speakers have all had negative experiences, but they feel they are able to channel their feelings and get healing through it.”

For more information on Hateless, visit hateless.ca

Facebook.com/TheHeraldWPG
Twitter: @heraldWPG