Dear Cynthia

Good for you! I’m really proud of you and your classmates. It takes courage to stand up for what you think is right. Unfortunately, I’ve heard many other stories like this.

Remember that although your aim is to help Loveness, you are also trying to change the way the school system deals with teachers who abuse their students. This is not an easy task.

Try to get as many people as possible to support your efforts and sign your petition – students, teachers, parents, youth and women’s organisations, other people in your community and especially people who are respected and have influence (like community leaders, political leaders, and business people). Send a letter to local and national newspapers so other people and organisations know what you are doing. The more people who are behind you, the more likely the School Board will listen.

Another thing – don’t worry if you don’t succeed immediately. Change often comes about quite slowly. Don’t feel defeated if you don’t succeed this time. Every action, however small, which tries to change something bad, is already a victory.

Auntie Stella