Grade 9 LO Notes: Violence and Safety Issues
Concept: Health and Safety Issues related to Violence
Violence is any act that harms or threatens to harm an individual or a community. It can have
severe physical, emotional, and psychological effects on both victims and witnesses.
Common Acts of Violence
Violence can occur in various forms at home, at school, and in the community. Common acts
include:
- Physical Violence: Assault, battery, fighting, and corporal punishment.
- Verbal/Emotional Violence: Insults, threats, psychological abuse, and bullying.
- Sexual Violence: Unwanted sexual contact, assault, and harassment.
Reasons for Violence
- Power and Control: Perpetrators often use violence to gain or maintain control over others.
- Learned Behavior: Violence can be passed from one generation to the next, especially if
people witness it in their homes as children.
- Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, unemployment, and lack of resources can increase tension
and lead to violence.
- Substance Abuse: The use of alcohol and drugs is often linked to violent behavior.
- Gender Inequality: Deeply held beliefs about masculinity and gender roles can contribute to
violence against women and others.
Impact of Violence
Violence has a negative impact on both individuals and the community.
- On Individuals: Can lead to physical injuries, chronic diseases, depression, anxiety, and
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- On Communities: Creates fear and social isolation, reduces quality of life, and can hinder
community development.
Alternatives to Violence and Where to Find Help
Instead of violence, people can use problem-solving skills and conflict management techniques
to resolve disagreements. If you or someone you know is experiencing violence, it is important
to seek help. You can find support from:
- Parents, teachers, and trusted adults.
- School counselors or social workers.
- Police and emergency services.
- National helplines and non-profit organizations that specialize in a specific type of violence.
Grade 9 LO Notes: Health and Social & Environmental Responsibility
Concept: Health and Social & Environmental Responsibility
Health, social, and environmental responsibility refers to the duty we have as individuals and a
community to protect and improve the well-being of people and the planet. This includes making
conscious decisions that promote a healthy lifestyle, contribute positively to society, and
minimize harm to the environment.
Key Aspects:
- Health Responsibility: Making personal choices that lead to a healthy life, such as proper
hygiene, diet, and physical activity. It also involves being aware of health and safety issues in
the community.
- Social Responsibility: Taking action to improve the welfare of the community. This can be
through volunteering, respecting others' rights, participating in community events, and
supporting social causes.
- Environmental Responsibility: Protecting the natural environment. This includes things like
managing waste, conserving water and energy, and reducing pollution.
These three aspects are interconnected. For example, a cleaner environment (environmental
responsibility) can lead to a healthier community (health and social responsibility). Volunteerism
is a practical way to fulfill all three of these responsibilities.
Grade 9 LO Notes: Volunteerism
Concept: Volunteerism
Volunteerism is the practice of offering your time and skills for the benefit of the community
without expecting payment. It is a way for individuals to take responsibility for their community
and contribute to making it a better place.
Individual and Community Responsibility
- Individual Responsibility: By volunteering, people develop a sense of self-worth and purpose.
They can also use their professional skills to help communities where those skills are lacking.
- Community Responsibility (Ubuntu): This principle means that the good of the community is
more important than the good of the individual. It emphasizes that we all must care for and
respect each other, and that every person should be treated with respect and dignity.
Volunteering is a key way to enact this responsibility.
Different Types of Volunteer Organizations
- Community-based organisations: These are non-profit groups that operate within a specific
community to address its unique needs. They have a good understanding of the local people’s
needs.
- Non-Profit organisations (NPOs): These organisations are not run by the government and do
not aim to make a profit. They use all their funds to provide a service to the community.
Examples include charities, orphanages, hospices, and animal shelters.
Contributions to Social and Environmental Health
Volunteer organizations play a crucial role in promoting social and environmental health and
sustainable development. They:
- Address community needs such as poverty, education, and healthcare.
- Help improve the environment through activities like cleaning up rivers, beaches, and public
spaces.
- Promote sustainable development by using natural resources in a way that meets current
needs while preserving them for future generations.
