The Unknown Journey

By SK SEWMUNGAL

SK Sewmungal is from Durban, South Africa and is the 1st South African author to write a true story on bullying. After attending a high school in Durban and falling victim to school bullying, he decided to reveal his experiences and challenges that he'd encountered throughout his years at high school showing the consequences of bullying in South African schools and schools around the world. This book hopes to help victims and let them know that they are not alone...

 

"At some stage of our lives, we all have been bullied. I do agree that it's unfair and it's just one of the challenges in life that we face as we grow up. I have been a victim of bullying throughout my years at high school. I have been a target since I started at my school, and I have been through the worst events ever. I can tell you one thing and that is when a victim of bullying does something out of control everyone jumps to blame the victim for what they did. Perhaps people should first find out why the victim chose to react in such a way. From my experience bullying destroys and damages the mind of a person. Bullying can take away a persons happiness and can make a person become someone that they are not. We just have to find ways with learning how to deal with bullying. It is an unfair experience, but I guess we have to fight them bullies'- fire with fire."

 

Approxiamate length 253 Pages   

• Language: English
• Publisher: SK SEWMUNGAL
• Release date: Feb 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393704775

SK SEWMUNGAL

Sandhir Sewmungal is from Durban, South Africa and has a degree in Cultural Heritage and Tourism which was obtained at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Further to this he is a well-known anti-bullying activist and published his 1st book "The Unknown Journey" becoming the 1st South African author to write a true story on bulying. Sandhir has also been awarded as a Top 40 Inspiring Student by University of KwaZulu-Natal for publishing his book on bullying.

Book preview

Sometimes life can be unfair, but the only way out is to keep being strong and fight for your rights...

~ Sandhir Sewmungal

Preface

The Unknown Journey is a true story that nearly shattered my personal life and my schooling career. I have decided to write and publish this book after falling victim to school bullying. I hope this book will help many victims around the world; and make them feel stronger and confident about themselves. This book will also show the world what bullying does and leads to...

This is a story about the unfortunate events that a teenage boy had to experience at his high school. This story tells us how the build-up of events can lead to a final outcome, and shows us how these events can affect schooling career and personal life. It’s a shame to know that a learning institution fails to act and solve such major problems. When an unfortunate event takes place and the victim does something out of control, many people jump to the conclusion and blame the victim, but people do not know the truth as to why the victim goes to such an extent...

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Bullying...

Around the world, millions of children are bullied, and it’s sad to hear the extent to what bullying can lead to. Victims of bullying are left helpless and have nobody to turn to at times, and often feel scared to tell a friend or their parents about the bullying incidents. This is all because they don’t have the courage to express themselves to anyone, and not sure about the consequences thereafter. In some instances, victims of bullying are left frustrated and angry and can become worse over time if they are not helped.

Victims of bullying experience different emotions and mood swings; which has an effect on the mind and well-being. Sometimes, the only thing left for victims to do is to give up when they have lost all hope. Or their frustrations and anger that’s caused by bullying, allows the victim to take the fight in their own hands and to the very end.

It is unfair that victims of bullying must stop enjoying life because of others. Bullying is not a game and is not something to laugh or joke about. Bullying is a serious matter around the world; and if each of us can play our part and help a victim, we can give them hope to get through the tough times and make them feel stronger and confident about themselves. We can also assure victims of bullying that there are people out there that are willing to help them and together we can put a stop to bullying.

I was a victim of bullying, I know what it feels like, but with the help of my friends, family, and everyone on my side, I have kept strong and survived bullying.

Acknowledgements

This book is dedicated to my family and friends, as well as, to all victims that have been attacked by bullies during their schooling years. Thanks to my friends and family for always being there for me, helping me throughout my journey, keeping me on track, and giving me hope.

Special thanks to my parents for always giving me the confidence and the ability to remain strong, and for always being there for me. My parents have always been my inspiration and guidance, and they have taught me never to give up. Today I would not be the person I am, if it wasn’t for my parents. Thank you again mum and dad! May you always be blessed! And not forgetting my close uncle and two brothers. I love you all!

Thank you everyone for supporting me.

*Never become somebody that you are not!* -Sandhir Sewmungal

Chapter 1

∞

Goodbye Primary School!

The years went by so fast, it’s now the last day of Primary school, and each of us soon begin on our new high school journey. I loved my primary school; everybody felt like family - and we enjoyed every moment of being together. Grade 7 was the best and most fun schooling year!

Yesterday was prize giving day. It was sad when we sang the farewell song - many of us, pupils, had cried, including the parents’, teachers and other kids. With just a couple more hours left of that last day, I had decided to bond with everyone... even if they all were not close friends to me. Everyone in my grade played an important role towards me; they always helped me out when they could...especially my friends.

I’m looking forward to my high school next year. I’m going to the same high school that my elder brother is in.

The final bell rang, it was now 10 o’clock and many of the pupils in the grade are crying and hugging one another with their last goodbyes. Some of my friends are going to be in the same high school as me. I’m looking forward to high school: I’m nervous and excited as well!

I would like to thank all the teachers that have taught me, and my best friends - for making my years incredible. This is the end of my primary school journey. Let a new journey begin, high school.

Chapter 2

∞

A New Start to a New Journey... High School

Grade 8 Year 2007

This day has finally arrived; I’m looking forward to it and nervous at the same time. I’m sure I’ll do fine because my brother is also in the same school, he’s in grade 11 and a friend of ours is in final year; matric.

We arrived at my new high school, I feel more nervous and less excited, though I know that I will meet my primary school friends. The problem is that we will be in different classes. My brother, our friend, and I are walking into the school. They showed me where to wait. I then walked towards the part of the school where I saw all the new grade 8 pupils waiting.

I thought there would be a class list put up somewhere, and we would then go to our classes; find out who our Teacher is, and meet our class pupils. Surprisingly, this wasn’t the case in high school - things are done differently.

I was waiting alone with the rest of the grade 8 pupils, and it seemed to be a large amount of students, maybe ±200 pupils in the grade. A moment later, one of my good primary school friends approached me, and we talked for a time being. We then saw my other friends, and we all were together in our group. It felt good to meet them again, we looked different though... maybe it’s because we were dressed in our new uniform.

Couple of minutes later, the bell rang - and there was an announcement saying that, all pupils must report to the hall for assembly. I then began to wonder what assembly is going to be like in this school, compared to primary school. As we walked towards the hall, I recognised some pupils from my primary school, sitting in silence. We made our way into the hall and took a seat in the place where all new pupils of the school would sit. It was hot and very crowded with the grade. When we sat down, I heard Prefects shouting; saying this to pupils: shut up, because you pupils are new, doesn’t mean you people are special!

The Prefects seemed to be strict, but there was no need for them to shout and talk in such a way. Eventually, there was silence in the hall; and a small bell rang. We then saw the Teachers walking into the hall and face towards us. We were told by the Prefects to keep the noise levels down and stand-up. I looked in front of me and saw the whole group of pupils standing in silence. This school is so huge, and there are so many pupils, I thought to myself. I then began to ask myself questions like, what if I get lost? Are the pupils in this school friendly? There was dead silence as the Principal walks towards the stage, neatly dressed and wearing a black cape or cloak shall I say.  I’ve been hearing that, this is a good school with a good Principal, but now I’m thinking to myself...

Is this true? Well, the way that Prefects are carrying on - does not describe good to me. The principal is now on stage, he looks around and greets the school; Good morning school! and the school greet back, good morning Sir! This sounds like an army school, and I am thinking, once you arrive, you cannot leave. This is just the beginning though, it cannot be this bad as time goes by.

The assembly was very long and felt like it was going on-and-on...forever! Moreover, it was such a hot day! Finally, it had reached the end: the whole school, staff and Principal, exit the hall. It’s only my grade left; with few Teachers, and Prefects. The Deputy Head then asks his Prefects to send us to sit downstairs. We proceed on our way; one-by-one, to those seats in front of the hall, I’m feeling more nervous.

The Deputy Head decides to say a few words on the microphone: I remember him saying, The Prefects will show you around the school, if you don’t like it here and don’t like how we do things here, you are welcome to find another school. You pupils should be happy that your parents sent you to a good school. I’m now handing over to your grade controller that’s in charge of your form.

Therefore, the Deputy Headmaster seems straightforward, and very strict.  However, I know that, if I listen and follow all the rules, I will be fine... though everyone is so strict, I will just have to deal with this new start, I guess.

Then appears a voice on the microphone, Gentlemen, stand up, good morning pupils! our reply is, Good morning Sir! I would describe the grade controller as slow and lazy, he didn’t have any energy in himself. The grade controller starts talking to us about the school, and how the system works, then says, I trust that, all of you pupils, know which class you are in and aware of whom your Teacher is from the information-evening, that was held last night.

I didn’t know that there was information-evening last night, my parents must have forgotten about it, or they didn’t know of it.

To those pupils who did not come for the information-evening last night, please stand up and make your way to the front left side of the hall; where the Teacher will assist you shortly. I stood up in the middle of the grade, along with few other pupils, and went to the front of the hall. I was nervous, and already the grade controller was dismissing each of the classes. ‘Great, what if I miss my class? ‘

‘This school is so huge.’  The Teacher then assisted us with our class; he asked for my surname and initials, and kindly told me as to which class I was in, and then, my class was called out to be dismissed from the hall. I fetched my school bag and followed my class members along with the Teacher to the classroom. My schoolbag was very heavy with all the books; it felt as though I was carrying bricks. After walking up 3 flights of stairs, we’d finally reached the classroom. I entered the class, and the pupils were in complete silence. I looked at the pupils to see if I could recognise anyone. I spotted out two of my primary school friends. My class Teacher seemed friendly, and apparently, he’s the strictest Teacher in the school, as pupils say. The Teacher went out of the class for a while, and then returned. He greeted the class then introduced himself, and welcomed us to the school. He also explained the high school system and procedures, and told us our programme for the day. We sat in the class for some time, until the bell rang for us new pupils to proceed back into the hall, we’d walk 3 floors down and back into the hall. As we entered the hall, the Prefects are telling us to be quiet and sit down, still in a harsh tone, some of them think too much of themselves I understand that they are doing their duties, but they don’t have to do it in such a harsh way. The hall was silent with all the grade pupils seated, and the grade controller began to talk to us about the leadership course that we were going on the following day.

Behind the grade controller, the Prefects were seated and kept their eyes on us, like they were some kind of security. However, I do know that if anyone had to talk, they would probably shout at or punish the pupil. The grade controller finished saying what he had to say about the following day’s procedure, now the head boy of the high school stood on stage and started to address the grade. Hope you all are getting used to our system now. I’m going to now make all of you aware of our school rules, and tell you what we expect from you. If you don’t follow the rules, you’ll be punished accordingly. Be a man, take the punishment and move on! I will now introduce the rest of the Prefects to you.

One-by-one, each Prefect steps up on the platform, and introduce themselves... that’s not the end of it though, after introducing themselves, each of them makes pathetic and silly comments about us.

"You people are just lyties, don’t think too much of yourselves"

You people are nothing, you’ll aren’t special in our school

Our grass is more important then you pupils

You pupils are no more in primary school, so grow up and don’t act like idiots in our school; we don’t want clowns in our school

Ok, now the Prefects are just taking advantage of us and they seem to be enjoying themselves, we haven’t even done anything wrong yet, so much for hearing that ‘it’s a good school.’

The Prefects... still having fun and making their jokes and comments, as each of them have their say; they spot out the pupils talking or laughing, they begin to punish them. They’re doing this on purpose; to satisfy themselves by punishing us. This is so unfair! They are being ridiculous.

Within that time, I managed to keep a straight face and some of the laughter within me, because I was aware of what was going on and I wouldn’t have liked it if any of the prefects had to call me out and punish me.

Then appeared a nerdy Prefect on the platform, ready for his turn to speak. He said something to the grade, and everyone began to laugh. We all busted out in laughter because, as he spoke, his eyes got wider, bigger and bigger. He tried to act as if he was strict, but all he’s doing was making a fool out of himself. The whole grade was laughing and the Prefects couldn’t do much. I was still laughing until the Prefects managed to have control over us again. I put a straight face on again.

The Head Prefect then decides to say a few more words to us before we were dismissed : "Before I dismiss you all, there is one more rule; since you guys are new to the school, you’ll have to address the matriculants as ‘Sir.’ Every matric pupil you see, you must greet them, good morning Sir, or good day Sir - and greet the Teachers... if I find out you’re not greeting, you will be punished. When you also return from the leadership course, there will be a Prefect’s name test next week; so, your’ll better learn and know our names well. If not, we’re going to punish your whole grade. That’s all I have to say. Now, lead out the hall, row by row, quietly."

Now they are asking for too much... name test. Seriously? ‘Get a life!’ I felt this cold shiver running through my body, as we lead out the hall and walked past a couple of Prefects at the exit, we had to greet them. I was not the only one nervous; other pupils were too; hearing by the way they greeted the Prefects. ‘Maybe as time goes by, they will be less harsh on us, just have to wait and see what happens.’

What a terrible first day at high school! The rest of the day was fine. I understand they want to prepare us all to be self-dependant and mature, but this isn’t the way to do it. My first day of high school... I did not enjoy. ‘I wonder what the leadership course is going to be like - if this first day wasn’t good.’ Welcome to the new world! I guess I just have to get through this like everyone else.

A new day, I was packed up and ready for the leadership course, yet still wondering what happens if they punish me for some stupid reason. I wonder if they’re going to torture us on this camp. Let’s just see what happens.

I arrived at school, carrying heavy bags and ready to face these few days away from home. As I was walking towards where all the grade 8 pupils were, I heard this pupil with a powerful and loud voice, shouting at me, "Hey lytie, do up your zip on your jacket man, you look bloody untidy!I dropped my bags, zipped my jacket, and walked again - towards where the grade was. I wanted to chirp him back for the way he talked to me but I couldn’t, because I was new in the school and I had no power at all... and no say! It was even worse to hear him say What you grinning for? It’s not a joke! I stopped and turned around and gave him a harsh look. I was irritated! I saw him and his clownish friends laughing, I then started to walk again towards my grade. I think this pupil was in grade 10 or 11. Stupid pupil!

The bell rang - and a couple of minutes later; we were on the field, guided by a Teacher about simple rules and procedures. What was allowed and not allowed on the trip. The only positive thing in my mind about the trip that I was thinking of; was getting to know the pupils in my class, otherwise, I had negative thoughts. I had a feeling that, they’re going to torture us on this camp. We got onto the bus in our classes, left the school and went to the campsite. On arrival, we had to walk a distance to the campsite, and setup the rest of our day. We had bonding time with friends and getting to know pupils in our class.

On the second day of the leadership course, we were split up into groups, and had to do different activities. It was actually not as bad as I’d thought it would be. ‘I’m enjoying the course.’

Day three was our last day: we did a couple of activities in the morning, and we then had to pack up and leave the site and make our way back to school.

On our arrival back to school, we were welcomed by many parents of the pupils from the grade. The grade had to perform a few school songs that we learnt, and then had to proceed to a place where we would shake the Principal’s hand, and he would welcome us to the school.

As I was on my way to, and waited to ring the bell, I saw a huge gathering of parents, taking out photos of their sons; even taking out photos of pupils they didn’t know. Finally, it was my turn to shake the Principal’s hand and ring the bell. I suddenly became proud of myself; I stepped forward, greeted the Principal, and shook

Reviews for The Unknown Journey

[Gonzalo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

It seems to me this book is similar to pillow book where the author expresses all suffering lived because of the bullying in his High school.