On Thursday 29th November 2007 selected pupils and teachers from Durban Girls High School were treated to a Personal Protection workshop conducted personally by Morne Swanepoel and his assistant, Sgt. Craig White. The workshop was well received and allot was covered in 2 hours. Morne covered various topics such as Anti Rape tactics, Surviving a knife attack and defensive tactics. The enthusiasm of the participants was electrifying. It was rewarding to see how keen the youth was continiously wanting to know more about how they are able to survive the streets of today.
The girls learnt what to do when the aggressor pins them down to the ground
Sgt Craig White assisting two girls with some finer details dealing with a strangulation.
It's important that we act as enthusiastic about each person taking care of herself or himself as we are about sports stars making scores for our favorite team or famous people singing our favorite songs. All our cultures will be better places when we can clap and cheer each time someone walks away from trouble, sets a clear boundary, speaks up for the well-being of her/himself and others, and is persistent in getting help. Each time, this person is working hard to overcome possible embarrassment, inconvenience, or offense. These emotional challenges can be just as great as any physical challenges.
We teach our students of all ages that belief in their ability to be powerful and effective is the most important Personal Protection tool they have. The Power of: awareness, self-control, taking charge, asking for help, speaking up, strong boundaries, yelling and running, having a safety plan, thinking things through, knowing you have choices - and, if need be, the power of using the strong parts of your body against the weaker parts of an attacker's body to defend yourself.
All of these different ways of being powerful can prevent and stop most difficult or dangerous problems with people much more effectively than size and muscle strength.
Even the teachers got involved. Full of enthusiasm and walking away from the workshop with more firepower.
We had a great time at Durban Girls High School. Thank you to the Staff and pupils for their hospitality and enthusiam. We look forward seeing you in 2008!
We would like to hear from you girls. You can write a review of the workshop you did on our forum by clicking here
If you would like Morné to present a hands on workshop at your school, University, Office etc. please contact Aileen by clicking here
Until we meet again - Be a Hard Target & Stay Safe -
