Greenfield High was a prestigious school known for its academic excellence, but beneath the surface lay a dark secret: bullying and fagging. Senior students often forced juniors to perform humiliating tasks or face physical and emotional abuse. For years, this toxic tradition was ignored, dismissed as a ‘rite of passage’ and tradition.
The turning point came when Timi, a bright but timid new student, arrived at Greenfield High. Timi quickly became a target for the seniors, who saw his quiet demeanor as an easy opportunity. They made him clean their rooms, fetch their meals, and endure cruel pranks. One day, Timi was locked in the school’s storage room for hours as a punishment for not meeting their demands.
When Timi was finally found, trembling and terrified, the school’s principal, Mrs. Adeleke, was horrified. She realised the issue had spiralled out of control and vowed to end bullying and fagging once and for all.
Mrs. Adeleke called an emergency staff meeting to address the issue. Together with teachers and counsellors, they devised a comprehensive plan to tackle the problem.The school launched a ‘No to Bullying and Fagging’ campaign.
Posters were put up, slogans were written on walls, and awareness sessions were held to educate students about the impact of bullying and the importance of kindness.
A suggestion box and an anonymous online portal were introduced, allowing students to report incidents without fear of retaliation. This gave victims and witnesses a safe way to speak up. Seniors were paired with juniors in a mentorship program to foster positive relationships.Instead of exerting power, seniors were encouraged to guide and support younger students. The school implemented a zero-tolerance policy for bullying and fagging.Offenders faced suspension, community service, or expulsion, depending on the severity of their actions.
Victims like Timi were offered counseling to rebuild their confidence.Bullies were also given psychological support to address the root causes of their behaviour.
The transformation was slow but steady. The first breakthrough came when a brave junior reported a senior attempting to bully him. Instead of retaliation, the senior was given a chance to explain himself and undergo counselling.
Timi also began to heal with the help of his new mentor, Funke, a compassionate senior who took the mentorship program seriously. She helped Timi regain his confidence, and their friendship became a symbol of the positive change sweeping through Greenfield High.
Gradually, the culture of fear was replaced with a culture of respect. Students began standing up for each other, and the school became a safer and happier place At the end of the academic year, Mrs. Adeleke addressed the students:“Today, we celebrate not just academic success but the triumph of kindness over cruelty. Remember, respect and empathy make us stronger as individuals and as a community.”
Greenfield High became a model for other schools, demonstrating that with determination and collective effort, bullying and fagging could be eradicated. The story of Timi and the school’s transformation inspired many to believe that every problem has a solution if approached with courage and compassion.
From that day on, Greenfield High was no longer just a school; it was a haven of learning, growth, and mutual respect.
