Toi Ohomai Turns Pink to Stand Up Against Bullying
Monday 20 May 2019, 12:58PM
By Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology
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With last week being Bullying Free NZ week, Toi Ohomai joined the conversation with Pink Shirt Day activations on our Whakatāne, Taupō, Tokoroa, Mokoia and Windermere campuses.
Joining the conversation
Pink Shirt Day started in Canada in 2007, when two students took a stand against homophobic bullying, after a peer was bullied for wearing a pink shirt.
For us, Pink Shirt Day is an opportunity to encourage young people to be part of the conversation around bullying and make a difference by sharing messages of aroha and kindness.
Spreading aroha and kindness
Pink Shirt Day activations included “Aroha Boards” around our campuses, encouraging staff and students to contribute messages of a tolerance, as well as being part of an anti-bullying campaign video.
Toi Ohomai staff and students were also encouraged to wear pink and pink shirts were sold on campus, with all profits going to charity.
Toi Ohomai CE Leon Fourie also participated in the conversation.
“Pink Shirt Day brings us together to stand up against bullying. To us, this day is all about embracing our value of whanaungatanga – spreading kindness and aroha throughout our communities”, said Leon.
“Kōrero Mai, Kōrero Atu, Mauri Tū, Mauri Ora – Speak Up, Stand Together, Stop Bullying!”