TΗΕ ΒULLY ......HIS VICTIM AND ANTI -BULLYING....!!!!

In Memory of BaggelhGiakoumakh

It is with great sadness…That the shocking news of the Suicide ofBaggelhGiakoumakh…brings me to share an article with you…that proves with no doubt, although Bullying is a major concern… suicide can be prevented.

Adults’…Peer’s…Parent’s…Educators’.. quicker intervention to stop the bullying might have saved this young man’s life.

May He Rest In Peace.

There is no doubt that bullying is a problem in all schools, but just how much of a problem is it? The latest bullying statistics 2014/2015 reflect bullying in “real life,” as well as cyber bullying. The numbers related to any bullying statistics are both shocking and disheartening.

Bullying is defined as “intentionally aggressive, usually repeated” verbal, social, or physical behavior aimed at a specific person or group of people. Some bullying actions are considered criminal, such as harassment or hazing; but “bullying” alone is not illegal. And recent news stories abound with tales of cyberbullying – where the target is harassed through social media or other technology – that have unfortunately resulted in

victims’ suicides. The majority of bullying still takes place at school; One in three students say they have been bullied at school…and as young as ive years old.

Bullying…seems to boost the social status and popularity of most middle school students. Psychologists studied 1,895 students at 20 South African middle schools, where students were asked to name the students who were considered the “coolest”.  This was their response “The ones who are ‘cool’ bully more, and the ones who bully more are seen as ‘cool’”.

With so many students seeing what goes on, one has to wonder why bullying proliferates – especially since it is reported that bullying stops within 10 seconds 57 percent of the time when someone intervenes. I found in my study that “A simple message, such as ‘Bullying is not tolerated,’ is not likely to be very

effective,” and that effective anti-bullying programs need to focus on the bystanders, who can step in and stop the behavior.

Lasting Effects of CyberBullying

Most experts agree that bullying peaks in middle school, while children are making the transition from children to young adults. Although bullying certainly continues into high school – and even into adulthood, unfortunately – it does seem to subside with maturity. Even so, approximately 160,000 teens reportedly skip school every day because they are bullied, and 1 in 10 teens drops out of school due to repeated bullying.

▪    Not shockingly, students who are bullies as young adults continue the trend of abuse and violence into adulthood. By the age of 30, approximately 40 percent of boys who were identified as bullies in middle- and high school had been arrested three or more times.

The Bullying Targets

Unfortunately, children and teens who are considered “different” from their peers are the most frequent targets of bullies and are constantly bullied. Special needs students; Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) students; students who are overweight; and students who are perceived as “weak” are the most likely targets of bullying by others. Nine out of 10 LGBT youth report being verbally

bullied because of their sexual orientation, while 55.2% of those students reported being cyberbullied. Of special needs students who report bullying, the majority of those who are victimized are students diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, and students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

 Stopping the Cycle of Bullying

Unfortunately, only 20-30 percent of students who are bullied tell adults or authorities about their situations. Without accurate reporting, it’s difficult to change the patterns of bullying and abuse that persist in the world.

Shocking Facts about Bullying: Why Bullies Bully

It is only by understanding why bullies bully that we can be able to understand just how they pick their prey or victim. When a bully wants to become popular, it is understood that he will pick on the most unpopular kid, one who has for one reason or another been shunned by the peer group. The bully will reason that the peer group will applaud this anti-social behaviour and he or she will then become popular at the expense of the poor victim.If the bully comes from a home where fighting and violence is the order of the day, then he or she will see it as an acceptable behaviour in the society. The same case happens to be true in schools where there is a lot of bullying happening and helps understand Why Bullies Bully.

A child who is bullied and rejected could also turn into a bully.

Power may also prompt people to bully others. Teenagers who are given power over the others should also be trained in leadership skills to keep them from exercising it in a negative way.

Types of Bullies

In order to know how to deal with bullies, you need to know what type of bully you are dealing with. Although bullies can exist just about

anywhere , the three most common types of bullies are:

School bullies

Cyber bullies

Workplace bullies

Bullying behaviors are common to all types of bullies, whether you need to know how to deal with bullies at work or how to deal with bullies at school. All bullies are aggressive. Bullies do not like to be disagreed with. This aggression could be physical or verbal. Bullies may hit you or take your money. Threats can come to the victim, the victim’s family, the victim’s possessions or the victim’s pets, all by evil bullies.The common result of bullying behavior is that the victim feels powerless. They never know when their bully is going to strike next. They also are confused as to why they are getting bullied in the first place. The reason why bullies pick victims really doesn’t matter. Bullies pick victims because that is what they do. Bullying behavior does not stop until bullies meet bigger and more powerful bullies.

What about Bullying Statistics?

School bullying prevention programs are known to decrease bullying in schools up to 25 percent. That is one of the Shocking Facts about Bullying.

About 28 percent of students in grades 6-12 experience some form of bullying according to bullying statistics 2013. Over 30 percent of students admit to bullying classmates and peers. When an adult intervenes in a bullying incident, it stops within 10 seconds or more about 57 percent of the time. This is why addressing the problem often cuts down on bullying incidents that happen daily and rescues many students from being bullied.

 

There are many different types of bullying. There is a strong correlation between bullying and suicide related behaviors. The relationship is often influenced by o factors like depression and delinquency. Those bullied by peers were more likely to think of suicide and even attempt it.

Where does bullying occur many parents and teachers wonder about the location. Bullying takes place on school grounds and often on the bus. This is not the only place it occurs however ! Cyber bullying occurs on cell phones and online on social networks, boards, and through email.

It is essential for parents and educators to understand what is bullying in school and how figuring out what is bullying in school can help them fight bullying the right way. Grasping bullying facts or “bully facts” can help parents and educators start the right conversation with their children, bullying is a complicated socio-psychological issues and the way to fight it is to be armed with much bullying facts today.

Knowing the bullying statistics  gives parents, teachers, and other adults knowledge of the problem. It does not stop or resolve the problem that many boys and girls face every day at school or online. This problem affects all groups despite the race, sex, gender, religion, or nationality. One bullying statistic gives higher rates for handicapped and LGBT youth evident in gay bullying facts.

Bullying statistics  offer key points on what to look for in your child or at children in school. Knowing the types of bullying and where it occurs gives an adult the advantage. Remember statistics on bullying  point to a

problem that must be addressed to change things.

Don’t let your loved one become a shocking number in a bullying statistic especially with the rise of bullying.

STOP THE BULLYING!

Written By:

EfhKanavou

  E. Kanavou( ΚΑΘΗΓΗΤΡΙΑ ΣΤO JOHANNESBURG 

SOUTH AFRICA)

MEΛΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΜΑΔΑΣ

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GREECE WHITE AND COLD WITH SNOW…SOUTH AFRICA HOT AND BLANCK WITH 'LOAD -SHEDDING ' AND SEVERE HEAT WAVE !

Greece White and Cold with Snow…South Africa Hot and Black with 'Load -Shedding' and Severe Heat wave!

In the last couple of days Greece has been experiencing a very cold and white February. Most of the country has been experiencing snowfall and it looks like Christmas all over again. 

Here in South Africa , however…we have had the worst Heat wave imaginable! Temperatures have reached 48%Celsius in certain parts of the country and humidity levels are very high. I thought I'd give our readers a little factual information on what a Heat wave entails:

When outside temperatures climb into the triple digits (over 40ºC) for a period of several days or even weeks, this prolonged period of excessive heat is known as a "heat wave". Heat waves are often accompanied by high humidity. While there is also no universal definition of a heat wave, (as people used to a hot climate may already be acclimatized to a period of high heat, where as the same heat visited on people in a usually cooler climate can cause severe disruption and heat deaths due to people not knowing what to do to minimize the risks), the real issue is the health and safety impact of prolonged heat and high humidity.

Notorious for causing widespread power outages, hundreds of heat-related illnesses, and even deaths, heat waves are perfectly survivable provided you take appropriate precautions. In general, our ability to regulate high temperatures is impacted by our health, age, and the quality of our shelter. 

So... to really make things even worse, South Africa has also been experiencing what we love to call here as... 'Load -Shedding' Most of you are probably thinking …"Well,  what the heck is this?" It basically means you are in the DARK!!!  No electricity for up to 4 hours a day!

What is South African load shedding?

Well...ESKOM…the company that supplies Electricity in South Africa has not been able to maintain certain power stations and so Load-Shedding has occurred. 

 

 

When there is not enough electricity available to meet the demand from all Eskom customers, it becomes necessary to interrupt supply to certain areas. This is called load shedding. It is different from a power outage that could occur for several other reasons. It is a last resort to balance electricity supply and demand. Eskom applies load-shedding when all other options have been exhausted. It is an effective way to avoid total collapse of the electricity supply grid (a national black-out) which will have disastrous outcomes for South Africa. If unbalances on the power is not managed this could lead to the risk of collapse of the entire power network. If this occurs, it could take weeks to restore power to the entire country. By rotating and shedding the load in a planned and controlled manner, the system remains stable. 

Well There You Have It…

South Africa might be one of the most beautiful countries in the world but at this moment... we seem to be rated as Third World…I wouldn't say it's the' Heat wave's' fault but rather the Electrical Companies 'weak ways'!

Greece…enjoy your beautiful White Winter and even if you are feeling the cold,  remember it is still brightening your day and night!

From a DARK South Africa... I bid you Good night!  

By: Efh Kanavou

ΓΙΑ ΤΟ ΣΕΛΛΑ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΣ BLOG NEWS-NEMΕSIS.. By Efh Kanavou from South Africa

By:  E. Kanavou( ΚΑΘΗΓΗΤΡΙΑ ΣΤO JOHANNESBURG 
SOUTH AFRICA)
MEΛΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΜΑΔΑΣ
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SOUTH AFRICAN GREEKS OPINION ON THE GREEK LEGISLATIVE ELECTION, 2015!

As the 25 January Legislative Election is approaching, I decided to interview a couple of fellow Hellenes on their opinion on the Greek elections. I was hoping for live interviews but unfortunately all declined and prefered that they remain anonymous for personal and political reasons.  On 29 December 2014, after failing to elect a presidential candidate in the third round of voting with the required 180 votes,prime minister Samaras asked incumbent president Karolos Papoulias to dissolve the parliament. On 31 December, Papoulias formally dissolved the parliament by decree and set the new election to be held on 25 January and the new parliament to reconvene on 5 February 2015. 

Here in South Africa many Hellenes are experiencing a sense of Fear but Excitement as well, on these coming elections. *Advocate Tyr*(His name has been abbreviated)had this to say on the current polls. Please take note that this is an opinionated but factual disclosure of current events!

"A clutch of recent polls have given Syriza a lead of over 3 percentage points, suggesting that Prime Minister Antonis Samaras's New Democracy conservatives are not making any inroads as the election approaches.

The vote is being closely watched by financial markets nervous that a Syriza victory could trigger a standoff with EU/IMF lenders that results in Greece leaving the euro zone. The party has vowed to cancel austerity measures imposed to meet the conditions of Greece's 240-billion-euro bailout, and to renegotiate debt obligations.Samaras has played up the fear factor in his campaign speeches, saying Greeks could return to near-bankruptcy and a period of chaos if Syriza comes to power."They are leading us to a clash with our lenders, to bankruptcy, to an exit from the euro," Samaras said in a speech on Tuesday night.

Tsipras, who has campaigned on a message of new hope for Greeks broken by years of austerity, has in turn accused Samaras of scaremongering."The only thing they haven't said yet is that if Syriza comes to power it will take your children and your wives," he said in a recent speech to supporters in northern Greece. Opinion polls so far have indicated that Syriza is unlikely to win outright, but some have suggested it is getting closer to that goal.The newly created centrist party To Potami (River) - the most likely ally for Syriza in a coalition government, according to analysts - ranked third in the Alco survey with 5.3 percent. It was followed by the far-right Golden Dawn , with 5.2 percent, and the Communist KKE after that.Support for the co-ruling Socialists (PASOK) dropped to 3.7 percent.A party set up by former prime minister George Papandreou, the Movement of Democratic Socialists, scored 2.5 percent, below the threshold to enter parliament."

'*Advocate Tyr* concluded by saying that he thinks in the next couple of days more surprises will unfold and he hopes the Greeks go to the Polls making wise decisions…..Greece's placement within the European Union is of the utmost importance!'

*Mr VS* (Financial Advisor) had this to say:

"The key question here, is whether the election will reignite the Euro Crisis, producing recession over there and some level of financial instability and slower growth worldwide.  Some predict this, but it seems quite unlikely, although it cannot be ruled out. There are two routes by which it could happen. First, a Syriza victory and dramatic breakdown of negotiations with the Troika could, with serious mismanagement on both sides, lead Greece to fall out of the Euro.  Second, a new Syriza government might instead “win” the negotiations with Europe and, either as a result or by coincidence, experience a strong economic recovery.  This outcome could sharply bolster other non-establishment parties across the troubled “periphery” of Europe and lead to a breaking of the already stressed consensus that has held the Eurozone together thus far. Strongly increased tensions could lead to a renewal of the sovereign debt crisis, with potentially very negative outcomes economically and politically. Withdrawal from the Euro would be much more serious, because it would set a precedent that might be used by other countries in the future. However, none of the other Eurozone members seem at all inclined to follow Greece anytime soon if it exited. That fact would reduce financial market pressures in Europe resulting from a Greek action.  Even in Greece, Syriza does not want to withdraw from the Euro and polls show almost three quarters of voters believe Greece should stay in the Euro, even if it entails significant sacrifice.  If Greece exits, it will almost certainly be a policy accident resulting from major misjudgments by both Greece and its European partners. It is very unlikely that either side would allow it to reach that point, and this to me is a good sign whatever commences on the 25th."

Well there you have it. The Election is upon us and it seems quite clear that... what will be will be.!  Hopefully, whoever heads government will also have a good head on his shoulders to put Greece, it's People and it's Economy first. So, my fellow Hellenes…vote wisely!

ΓΙΑ ΤΟ ΣΕΛΛΑ ΜΕΣΣΗΝΙΑΣ BLOG NEWS-NEMΕSIS.. By Efh Kanavou from South Africa

 By:  E. Kanavou
( ΚΑΘΗΓΗΤΡΙΑ ΣΤO JOHANNESBURG 
SOUTH AFRICA)
MEΛΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΜΑΔΑΣ
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NOVEMBER IS MOVEMBER MONTH IN SOUTH AFRICA!

As we all know November is the 11th month of the year. In most of the world November is the final month of Autumn/Fall before winter sets in: 

"The wild November come at last
 Beneath a veil of rain;


The night winds blows its folds aside,
Her face is full of pain. 
The latest of her race, she takes 
The Autumn's vacant throne:


She has but one short moon to live, 
And she must live alone."


-  Richard Henry Stoddard, November

 In South Africa however, it is the last month of Spring before the Summer months kick in.

It is also Movember month…You're probably asking…What the heck is MOVEMBER MONTH???

Well…

Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer and other male cancers, and associated charities. The Movember Foundation runs the Movember charity event, housed at Movember.com.The goal of Movember is to "change the face of men's health."

By encouraging men (who the charity refers to as "Mo Bros") to get involved, Movember aims to increase early cancer detection, diagnosis and effective treatments, and ultimately reduce the number of preventable deaths. Besides annual check-ups, the Movember Foundation encourages men to be aware of family history of cancer and to adopt a healthier lifestyle.

Since 2004, the Movember Foundation charity has run Movember events to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues, such as prostate cancer and depression, in Australia and New Zealand. In 2007, events were launched in Ireland, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, El Salvador, Spain, the United Kingdom, Israel, South Africa, Taiwan and the United States. 

To participate in Movember, start with a fresh face at the beginning of the month and "donate your face" until Nov. 30 by not shaving. You're like a fuzzy billboard for men's health issues. You can raise funds, too. The Movember Project has donated more than 800 programs to date.

To participate in No-Shave November, give up one of your hair grooming practices and donate what you'd normally spend on it toward cancer research.

"Nearly everyone spends some amount of his or her hard-earned money on grooming, whether that's shaving, waxing, trimming or threading," according to No-Shave November's website. "If just for November, those individuals gave that cost  to a cancer charity instead, friends and family alone could pool together a sizable chunk of change to help cancer patients and their families."

Athough, it has quite a humorous side to it…it is definitely for a good cause. 

I hope this will catch on in Greece as well!  Even if only a small group of men read this... may it make them more aware. May they become more diligent in their annually check ups.

Enjoy the Clips below and have a wonderful few more weeks of November…KALO XEIMWNA!



BY: EFH KANAVOU



EΦH KANABOY
  ( ΚΑΘΗΓΗΤΡΙΑ ΣΤO JOHANNESBURG
SOUTH AFRICA)
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ΕΦΗ ΚΑΝΑΒΟΥ " SOUTH AFRICAN GREEKS (PART 3)" : " THE COURAGEOUS AND INSPIRATIONAL STORY OF MICHAEL ODYSSEOS "

Michael Odysseos
JOHANNESBURG
SOUTH AFRICA

"The Courageous and Inspirational Story of Michael Odysseos"

I had the the greatest honour and privilege to interview an amazing young man who beat all the odds!! This is a story of a Hero….the South African Hellene, Michael Odysseos.

Michael is a 39 year old proud Hellene who comes from a Cypriot Background. He was born and grew up in the Eastrand (Springs...Brakpan…Benoni) in South Africa. Like all young men, Michael was a happy , full of life- young man who enjoyed going out and especially enjoyed Soccer. 

In 2006, while on his way to watch a World Cup match, Michael was involved in a horrific car accident. Michael was flung out of his car, while trying to avoid a drunk pedestrian who was crossing the freeway. He had multiple head injuries and was in a coma induced state for a very long time. His condition was 'touch and go'! Doctors also sadly told his parents that his injuries were very serious and due to his severe head injuries that they were not sure if he would ever function normally again.

Michael never gave up!

Through his perseverance and will to live…the will to live a normal life again…Michael beat all odds! Michael had to learn to walk again…he had to learn to eat and speak from the beginning. Not only did he achieve all this but he lives a very active life today. He has taken part in many Marathons and is a South African Motivational and Insprational Speaker.

Michaels Philosophy of life as told in his words after his experience are….Faith…Strength…..Energy!

Please enjoy this interview…of this incredible man…a true Greek Hero.

Michael Today!


Michael Odysseos

Michael After his Horrific Accident!                          &                                     The car after the accident!

                                                   

Written By: Efh Kanavou

EΦH KANABOY
  ( ΚΑΘΗΓΗΤΡΙΑ ΣΤO JOHANNESBURG
SOUTH AFRICA)
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ΕΦΗ ΚΑΝΑΒΟΥ " SOUTH AFRICAN GREEKS)" : ΙΝΤΕRVIEW WITH MR VASSILIS KONSTANTOPOULOS, ECONOMIST AND FINANCIAL DIRECTOR FOR CTI FINANCIAL INSTITUTE!

Vassilis Konstantopoulos with
 Anastasia Papageorgiou

South African Greeks (Interview with Mr Vassilis Konstantopoulos, Economist and Financial Director for CTI Financial Institute.

I would like to begin this article by saying that it has been an honour to interview this young, intelligent man…my friend Vassilis Konstantopoulous. Vassilis is a young Economist who is the Financial Director and Chief Analyst for CTI Financial Institute in Pretoria, South Africa. His interest in Greece's Economy and the crisis Greece is facing today is explained by him in such subtleness, honesty and hope. This was a difficult interview for me as my knowledge of finances let alone Greek Economics is quite limited. Vassili explained it in such 'lame man terms'... that he honestly gave a simple analysis both with factual and opinionated content.  Let me start by saying that Vassil's parents originate from Kalamata and although he was born in South Africa, his love for Greece and his knowledge especially on Greek Economical and Finacial aspects is broad. Unfortunately, Vassilis Konstantopoulos asked not to be filmed for this interview and preferred his interview in writing.

This interview took place on the 3rd November 2014…over lunch with his lovely wife Anastasia Papageorgiou.

Vassili started off by saying…"Greece's Economic Recession may have bottomed out so far down that it might now start to see some light at the end of the tunnel. Looking at economic data... it is starting to indicate the worst might be behind for the Greek Economy."

I kind of disagreed with him at that moment and asked him... 'How can he say that when the country is nearly in it's 7th year of recession. People are unemployed and Greece's bailouts since 2010 has not done them any good.' ( I felt pretty Economically well read after this comment!!!) Vassili smiled and continued by saying…

"Yes, the country has a long way to go in reforming it's economy, but it is not an impossible task."

"With enough PATIENCE AND DETERMINATION…The Greek Economy could soon see at least better times ahead".

Well…here you have it…many may read this and say…What an optimist!  But I can assure you a 'Greek, Tou Eksoterikou' especially an educated person like Vassilis Konstantopoulos, who loves and believes that Greece will make it through this trying time- can not be all that wrong.

Yes, for us…Greeks living in South Africa…we would like to think that Greece will reach her full Economic potential once again!

I, Efh Kanavou would like to end by saying…Greece has overcome so much…this recession facing Greece today is just a 'tiny speck of dust' lying in a deep embedded crack that can be eventually 'dusted' away using the correct tools! 

With the right people governing the country and making that difference…like Vassili quoted…"With PATIENCE AND DETERMINATION"…Greece should reach Economic Growth once again.

 Written By: Efh Kanavou

EΦH KANABOY
  ( ΚΑΘΗΓΗΤΡΙΑ ΣΤO JOHANNESBURG
SOUTH AFRICA)
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