South African Pierre de Coubertin Committee – Anti-Bullying Programmes:  Play fair everywhere

The Play Fair Everywhere anti-bullying and cyberbullying programme is running from 6 April (International Day of Sport for Peace and Development) until 2 September (the passing of Pierre de Coubertin in 1937).

In this Olympic year, this programme will advocate for and raise awareness of the importance of respect for diversity and equality between men and women. It will guide young pupils and students, parents and teachers, and the whole school and local community in promoting universal and Olympic values, anti-bullying, peace education and mutual tolerance.

After the successful roll-out of the Anti-Bullying Campaign which they started in 8 schools in 2022/3, the Pierre de Coubertin Committee of South Africa continues this successful programme of the Anti-Bullying Campaign which they call PLAY FAIR EVERYWHERE under the auspices of the Foundation for Sport, Development and Peace (FSDP). 

The main target groups are children and young people (5-18 years) in primary and secondary schools. The holistic approach addresses unacceptable and bullying behaviour while working with the school on its anti-bullying and safeguarding policies, involving teachers and parents in the decision-making process for such policies. In 2024, workshops for teachers and parents will include the identified bullies and their targets. 

The programme includes education in the Olympic values of respect and fair play, social integration, fellowship, tolerance and diversity advocated by Pierre de Coubertin. It aims to prevent bullying and unacceptable behaviour from escalating into adulthood through early intervention.

Workshops for women and girls, boys and men, leadership and mentoring showed in 2023 that these training sessions are much needed in local communities in South Africa, and they will continue in 2024 to promote respect for diversity, empowerment of women, awareness training for equality and tolerance, values education, peace building and personal development. With participants coming from diverse backgrounds and cultures, these workshops also promote social inclusion. This programme will once again be linked to the Cape Town Peace Conference which is planned for 19 and 20 September 2024. There will also be a special media focus to support the younger generation.