Building a Future Without Violence Starts in the Classroom

Photo Credit: Action Breaks Silence

Local trainers are helping children question harmful stereotypes while building trusted relationships in schools and their communities.

Johannesburg, South Africa (15 October 2026) – Action Breaks Silence is working with about 15,000 primary school learners in Soweto and Diepsloot, using age-appropriate lessons and local trainers to encourage empathy, respect and safer behaviour.

A classroom activity involving a pile of toys might seem simple, but it can open up an important conversation about gender, fairness and the expectations children grow up with.

That is one of the ways Action Breaks Silence is helping primary school learners in Soweto and Diepsloot question harmful stereotypes and develop the skills to build healthier relationships.

The organisation’s Empowerment, Empathy and Active Bystander programme starts in Grade 2, using playful activities to help children explore why certain toys are labelled for boys or girls, what makes someone a good friend and why everyone deserves respect.

As learners grow older, the lessons move on to personal boundaries, resolving disagreements without violence and recognising harmful behaviour. Teachers are also involved, as the organisation works with the wider school community to encourage lasting change.

Founder and chief executive Debi Steven believes violence against women and girls can be prevented by challenging the attitudes and behaviours that allow it to continue.

A survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Steven has spent more than 30 years working in violence prevention in South Africa and the United Kingdom. Through Action Breaks Silence, she wants communities to share responsibility for creating a future in which women and girls are free from male violence.

A key part of that work is bringing local people into the programme. Through its two-year Train-the-Trainer initiative, the organisation recruits unemployed and under-employed young adults and equips them to facilitate workshops in their own communities.

The trainers bring an understanding of local languages and everyday experiences, while gaining work experience, confidence and leadership skills. Their continued presence also allows them to build trusted relationships with learners and schools over time.

One programme participant said the experience had helped them become more confident speaking to groups and strengthened their teamwork and leadership skills.

The programme reaches approximately 15,000 primary school learners across Soweto and Diepsloot. Steven is particularly encouraged by feedback from boys who are beginning to reflect on the kind of men they want to become.

She believes boys and men must be part of preventing violence, with positive role models helping young people understand that strength and respect can go hand in hand.

For Steven, protecting children is a responsibility that extends beyond parents and educators.

“I don’t have biological children, but I look at every single South African child as my child,” she says.

By starting these conversations early and involving people from the communities themselves, Action Breaks Silence is working to help children recognise harmful behaviour, build empathy and understand that a safer future is something everyone can contribute to.

To learn more about the programme, visit Action Breaks Silence.