ANTI-bullying advocate Sammy Pearce is reaching the final stage of his campaign to win public support for policy reform to tackle classroom bullying.
The 11-year-old Veresdale Scrub State School student launched a campaign to attract 10,000 signatures for a petition calling for more education to counter bullying in primary schools.
Just over 1500 signatures have been gathered in the lead up to Sammy’s Walk for Peace to be held at Jubilee Park, Beaudesert on Sunday, October 14 from 12pm.
Sammy’s mother, Petra Tarnhamn joined Sammy on the front line of the campaign, approaching businesses and residents in Beaudesert and surrounding areas to support the initiative.
Ms Tarnhamn said the family would pull out all the stops to get as close to the target of 10,000 signatures as possible.
“Everyday after school we visit businesses in Beaudesert and put petitions in their offices,” she said.
“Every morning Sammy calls all the news channels. Tomorrow he will be calling Sky News, ABC and radio stations.”
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Sammy’s Walk for Peace will include guest speakers from anti-bullying organisation Dream Guards, entertainment and food and refreshments.
Mr Pearce will pass the petition to Scenic Rim MP Jon Krause to submit to parliament.
Scenic Rim mayor Greg Christensen is expected to address Veresdale Scrub State School on Friday, October 12, before the presentation to recognise Mr Pearce’s efforts.
Mr Pearce has spoken candidly on his own experience with bullying at a previous school where he was confronted with death threats.
Ms Tarnhamn said it was important for people to keep putting pressure on governments to take action.
“(This petition) might not be the thing that brings change, but if everyone speaks up and makes more noise then it will eventually be heard now or into the future,” she said.
“It is a message to never give up and to speak up if something is wrong. Adults have to do that too, if we are not happy with what is happening in our child’s life we speak up.”
