Be a legend

You don’t need to wait until you’re older to do something remarkable and become a legend. You can live out your own legend now.

School doesn’t have to be a place where you only go to meet friends and write exams. It can be your domain for doing good things and making your unique difference.

Here’s how.

Respect your educators

Ø      Speak respectfully to your teachers. 

Ø      Even if everyone else is paying no attention in class, you can show your respect by listening – no MXit, no sleeping or thug-like behaviour in class.

Ø      Make sure you get to class on time, with all the stationery and books you need.

Ø      Have your homework ready for class. Don’t waste your and everyone else’s time.

Speak out against what’s wrong

Ø      Report bullying to a teacher you can trust. Don’t stay quiet.

Ø      If your friend is a bully, ask him or her what’s up with that type of behaviour. Encourage them to stop torturing others – don’t join in the bullying (even if you don’t like the person being victimised).

Ø      Discourage your friends from cheating or doing any illegal activities at school. And even after school hours: don’t take what’s not yours or vandalise any property.

Ø      Tell your teacher about anyone who has stolen exam papers or who copies during exams.

Ø      Report anyone dealing in drugs or selling stolen goods at school to your principal or the local police.

Stand up for what’s right

Ø      Challenge yourself to do something good at school every day.

Ø      Start a Respect Campaign at your school where everyone can use creative ways to value one another: make posters or write poems about doing good and distribute them.

Ø      Organise a concert to promote respect and excellence in your school: use creative dramas or plays, rappers with good lyrics or dance-offs to music with a positive message.

Live the life of a social agent at school

Ø      Help a friend who is struggling with a subject you are good at – for free!

Ø      Encourage friends who are struggling not to drop out but to stay in school.

Ø      Try to start a conversation with someone everyone ignores or laughs at.

Ø      Share your lunch with someone who cannot afford lunch of their own.