Zakaria Bentaleb

Zakaria is only 12 years old and his first year at secondary school has resulted on occasion Zakaria suffering at the hands of bullies and on one occasion had been a victim to being hit and filmed on a mobile phone by older boys whilst being hit! Zakaria is a quiet child with lots of ambition and some minor learning needs so this was the reason for him being a target. When Zakaria started year 8, he decided that he would stand up to the bullies and make a difference in his own life, however in early September, he noticed a new student in the school being targeted by older boys in the school because he was 'different' and could see the stress that this boy was under. Zakaria decided to stand up to the bullies by confronting them and protecting this new student. Zakaria was hit again in the stomach but stood in the way of the new student and told the bullies he would not hit back as this way not the way to treat human beings. Other children intervened and pulled the bullies back and the school took the necessary action with these children. Zakaria was highly commended by the school and is now an ambassador/buddy for new students who start at the school. He has grown in confidence but is still sometimes nervous when he sees older intimidating children but he faces them and walks with his head held high. He has learned that respect and kindness is how to behave and brings greater rewards in life and makes you stronger.