A Standard 5 pupil at St. Mary’s English Medium School in Tlokweng, Itumeleng is already making waves with her debut book, Kago Stops Bullying! Her story is one of resilience, determination, and a deep desire to address the challenges children face in schools today. The book, Kago Stops Bullying!, tells the story of a young girl who is bullied but eventually saved by a friend who boldly stands up for her. Itumeleng, reflecting on her own experiences, shared her motivation to write the book. “I just wanted to stop bullying. It happened to me at some point in school, and I stood up to the bullies. Seeing it happening to others, I felt a need to raise awareness on it,” she said. For her, the book serves not just as a story but as a call to action, urging others to address bullying with courage and determination. Bullying remains a significant issue in schools, and Itumeleng has observed its many forms. She notes that body shaming, where children are mocked for being “fat” or “skinny”, is a common problem. Another form of bullying she highlights is rooted in social status, where children are sidelined based on their financial background or the clothes they wear. “Kids compete with clothes and money, sidelining the less privileged and bullying them,” she said.
Through her book, Itumeleng aims to empower children to confront these challenges and advocate for themselves and others. Itumeleng’s journey as an author and campaigner has been met with overwhelming support. “The response has been superb,” she said. “My teachers like my book and my peers at St. Mary’s have been very supportive,” she said. Balancing her academic responsibilities with her anti-bullying campaigns and her passion for modelling has been no small feat, but with the guidance of her mother and mentor, Itumeleng has managed to excel. “My mother helps me manage my time. During the week, it’s all about school, and on Saturdays, I go to Glory Modeling Academy at Molapo Crossing. Sundays are for church,” she explained. Itumeleng’s mother, who also serves as her manager, plays an essential role in ensuring that she remains focused on her priorities. “She makes sure I read, do my homework, and balance everything,” Itumeleng said.
