‘The Buddy Project’ aims to prevent bullying in schools, colleges

Going to school was a horrific experience for the youngster. She spent days crying, not knowing the reason for being everyone’s target and when she grew up, she didn’t want anyone to go through what she did. This led her to start ‘The Buddy Project’, an anti-bullying organisation that works towards preventing all acts of bullying. It is south India’s first anti-bullying organisation.

“I know what it feels to be singled out and alone. The Buddy Project initiative lifts those in trauma, inspires to be a good buddy, empowers to love themselves and finally shines to be the best of them,” says Archana. If not for those few teachers and close friends who supported her, Archana says that she would have become an insecure introvert later in life. “Bullying is a serious issue that needs to be addressed. It’s mentally exhausting and affects a person so badly,” adds the beauty pageant winner.

The project works towards the prevention of all kinds of bullying by working along with volunteers. These volunteers from different southern cities visit school and college campuses to hold awareness gatherings. “We all need a ‘buddy’ who could help us in desperate times. Bullying can be experienced by children and adults, some are obvious to spot while others are subtle. Most won’t understand it unless we address the issue,” Archana tells us.

With the motto, ‘Let’s heal hearts with art’, The Buddy Project works in three different ways. A team of volunteers visits schools and colleges and conducts awareness classes regarding bullying and its causes. “We select a team of students as a squad working against bullying inside the campuses. Later, the organisation would tag the school/college as an anti-bullying zone. If any bullying happens from then on, The Buddy Project organisation will get involved and solve the issues without any conflicts. Also, through our Instagram account, individuals can share their thoughts, poems, stories, short tales and drawings. Thirdly, we have a toll free number created specifically to report, to offer help and solve any act of bullying,” adds Archana.