Working Together to Support Mabogopedi School

Mabogopedi Secondary school has faced a range of social challenges affecting students’ well-being and learning. These include bullying, learners bringing drugs to school, frequent late arrivals, absenteeism, and overall low academic performance having scored below 60% for the past five years.

To address these issues, we are working closely through the Karabelo GBV Response Programme, a comprehensive initiative under the Soul City Institute for Social Justice. The programme focuses on preventing and addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and other social challenges that affect young people. It combines community mobilisation, awareness- raising, and support services with practical interventions such as:

• Empowerment workshops for learners, especially young women and girls
• Support groups for survivors of GBV
• Dialogues with men and boys to challenge harmful gender norms
• School-based awareness campaigns on healthy relationships and safe behaviour

The Karabelo programme’s holistic approach ensures that schools not only address social ills like bullying, substance abuse, and absenteeism but also create safe spaces where students can thrive academically and emotionally.

Recognizing the importance of tackling these issues, our Committee sent a letter to Principal Manganyi requesting a meeting to share proposed activities. The goal is to work together with learners, parents, and school staff to create a supportive environment that allows students to focus on their education and improve academic outcomes.

On 18 February 2026, the school hosted a stakeholders meeting to discuss the challenges it is facing and request support from key partners. During the meeting, several suggestions were made to tackle the issues, and an action plan is now being developed. This plan will be shared with stakeholders during the next meeting to ensure everyone is aligned on the steps forward.

We believe that through collaboration, guidance, and consistent engagement, Mabogopedi Secondary School can address these social challenges, improve learner attendance and behaviour, and ultimately raise academic performance to the expected standards.

As part of the Steering Committee and the Karabelo GBV Response Programme, we are committed to supporting the school throughout this process because when learners are safe and supported, they can thrive academically and personally.