Peer School Against Peer Violence: Testimonies from Participants

Mihaela
During the training on peer violence, I had the opportunity to give a presentation in front of 40 students and two psychologists at my school. It was a huge experience for me, but at the same time a big challenge. What scared me the most was whether I would be able to keep everyone’s attention, especially when I knew that not only first and second-year students would be listening to me, but professionals as well. The nervousness and fear of making mistakes were constantly present, because it was important to me that my message was clear and well understood. When the presentation was over, I felt relieved, happy and relaxed. Although I was afraid, I managed to overcome my fear and convey the topic with dedication. It was wonderful to see how my words affected the students, and to hear positive feedback from all of them. It gave me additional motivation and confidence. I would definitely present again. Every new experience of this type helps me improve and feel more confident in myself, both now and in the future. I see it as a chance to grow and pass on my knowledge to others. When it comes to working with elementary school students, I would gladly accept. I believe that working with younger students is extremely important, because they are in a period when they learn the most and form themselves as individuals. I would like to help them learn how to deal with violence and create positive relationships with the people around them. Through this experience, I realized even more that I find myself in psychology that I want to develop in the future. I want to continue working with young people, to inspire them and to help them deal with the challenges that life brings.
Predrag
I am Predrag, I am 15 years old and study at a technical secondary school. I was giving a presentation in front of about twenty youths, and we were learning about fighting peer violence. From the presentation I learned a lot about myself, but also about others. I have learned that people who commit violence also have problems, not just those who receive it.
Ognen
I am Ognen, a student at the technical school in Bitola and I was a peer educator at the School Against Peer Bullying. Before delivering my presentation, I was afraid that I could get confused very easily and not be understood or interested by the audience, but that immediately changed as soon as I started presenting. Since the presentation ended, I felt nice, relieved and fulfilled that I was able to contribute to raising awareness about the peer violence that occurs in today’s society. I would definitely like to present again, both in front of my peers and in front of elementary school students on this topic, because the topic is of great importance to everyone.
Nektaria
I am Nektaria, a second-year student at the SABA high school. Before coming to this workshop I was afraid of presenting in front of many people, in front of youth, as well as meeting new ones, but as time went on, with each new workshop we got to know the youth better. When we had to present as peer educators in our schools, things changed and I was very relaxed. During the workshops, I am glad that many students got relaxed and started sharing their experiences, whether they were bullies or victims of violence. I hope that in the future more will join such workshops so that we can positively affect and reduce violence.
Teodora
I am Teodora, I am studying in medical high school, and I am 16 years old. I think this presentation was very useful and I learned so many new things. I know that this presentation will benefit me in the future, and I know that those who listened to me will learn something more about what peer violence is actually. I had no stage fright at all about the presentation and no one should have stage fright. It’s not scary and if you’re educated about what you’re talking about and then it’s easy to express it to all those who want to listen to you.