Ending Violence tells an intimate story of how Botswana is leading the world in violence prevention education, through the eyes of two preschool students Martin and Anele. This short impact documentary is available to view on Vimeo now – click here to watch the film 

Ending Violence and Education in Aotearoa 

Whenever we have a high profile case of sexual assult or gender based violence in Aotearoa, there are renewed calls for violence prevention education. Yet this year we have seen ACC announce that they will be dis-continuing funding of the Mates and Dates violence prevention program at the end of this year. Action Station are running a campaign to make consent education mandatory in highschools, while commentators such as associate professor in social science at the University of Otago, Melanie Beres, say that consent education alone is not enough. The basic argument is that violence does not happen because of miscommunication, but rather because of prejudice. So what does it look like to have education that undoes prejudice? What are some examples from around the world that New Zealand can look to and learn from? Ending Violence is a short documentary made by Sandani Wijetunge and Rose Archer that explores this very subject. “We were inspired to make this film because we saw that Botswana is leading the way in this type of education,” says director Rose Archer. “I have had a deep interest in violence prevention since I can remember. I think that this comes from having experiences of sexualised bullying from a very young age, which, unfortunately I know a lot of women can relate to. In all the work that I have come across and supported, none struck me as quite so comprehensive as the early childhood education currently being rolled out in Botswana.” In 2018 Rose and Sandani took a crew of five (themselves included) on a shoestring budget to Botswana. Once there, they spent time getting to know the parents, teachers and children who were taking part in this comprehensive social and emotional violence prevention education. “We think that their stories are really inspiring, and that we in New Zealand can learn a lot from what is being taught in Botswana” says Sandani Wijetunge, the film's producer. Ending Violence will be available to watch from Thursday the 15th of September. Go to endingviolence.co.nz to find out more. 

About the Team 

Rose Archer has been doing violence prevention education with teenagers and adults for the past five years. She is a passionate advocate for feminist policy and education, and believes that men, women and gender diverse people all stand to benefit from a more equitable world. Sandani Wijetunge is originally from Sri Lanka and has seen both the need for this important work, and been inspired by people advocating for it in her home country of Sri Lanka. Growing up in New Zealand and Bahrain, Sandani has learned the importance of all types of equity education, including both gender and racial inclusivity education. Sandani and Rose have been making films together for the past six years, with an emphasis on amplifying the stories of people who are working to make the world more peaceful and equitable. 

Release Date 

Thursday the 15th September 2022. 

Facebook 

https://www.facebook.com/endingviolencethefilm 

Trailer 

https://www.endingviolence.co.nz/about/ Film Ending Violence 

Contact 

Rose Archer 

rose.c.archer@gmail.com 

+64226739215