African Educator Reminds Students To Protect Their ‘Private Parts’

 

Given the rise in child sex offenses in Africa, a Black educator is going viral for her passionate lesson on body safety.

---

Gelda Waterboer, a Namibian native and early childhood educator, lives in Otjiwarongo, Africa. Waterboer can be seen leading the kids in a modified nursery rhyme in front of her classroom in a video posted to her TikTok profile. The right to physical autonomy was underlined in the song. The teacher led the kids in song while highlighting parts of her body that were deemed private.

Nobody should touch or crush my private parts because they are exactly that—private parts. Waterboer and her kids sang, “And if you touch my private parts, my private parts, my private parts, I will tell my mother, I will tell my father, I will tell my teacher.”

Waterboer’s initiative to emphasize personal safety was well received by observers.

“This is actually the level of seriousness needed for this,” said @lauren, a TikTok user.

“I love this aggression,” @Enchantress wrote. This is something I want my daughter to know. Everything has its place and time. I assumed she was singing Ms. Rachel’s border song. I will now instruct her on this.

According to Waterboer, she has received criticism for her post, but she doesn’t care. Since she understands that social media has turned into a platform where every content is deemed to be good, she urged her fans to ignore those who disparage her efforts.

But she wants to raise awareness. She wants to inspire others to engage in these discussions with the young and at-risk kids in their community.

“I notice that everyone is attempting to defend themselves in the comment area. That is not necessary for you to do. I’m all right. I’m not even insulted. I realized that the world’s inhabitants never truly take anything seriously. They are happy with everything. A victory is a victory as long as the message is being shared, regardless of the circumstances.

The prevalence of sexual violence against children was reported by the eNCA network throughout Africa. Forty percent of all sex-based offenses are committed against children, according to the reporting. Even though some try to minimize and make fun of Waterboer’s efforts, she is contributing to the change.