UKZN Graduate Amplifies Learner Voices Through Educational Psychology Research
Graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Education Honours in Educational Psychology, Ms Zainub Vawda is using her academic journey to highlight a critical yet often overlooked issue of bullying, and more importantly, the silenced voices of learners who experience it.
Vawda’s passion for understanding learners beyond the classroom began during her Bachelor of Education degree. “I realised that teaching is not only about delivering content, but also about understanding the emotional and psychological needs of learners,” she said.
Her study titled: ‘Seen but Not Heard: Visual Participatory Insights into Bullying Among School Learners in South Africa’, takes an innovative approach by using visual participatory methods. Instead of relying solely on interviews or written responses, learners expressed their experiences through drawings, images, and guided discussions. “This approach allowed learners to communicate their experiences in more creative and authentic ways,” she said.
The findings reveal a sobering reality that many learners feel silenced, misunderstood, and unsupported when facing bullying. Vawda’s research underscores the emotional, social, and academic impact of bullying, while calling for more responsive and empathetic interventions. Key recommendations include creating safe spaces in schools, strengthening teacher involvement, and prioritising emotional support systems. Above all, her work advocates for actively listening to learners when designing anti-bullying strategies.
Conducting research on such a sensitive topic came with its challenges. Vawda had to carefully balance academic responsibilities with personal commitments, while maintaining ethical integrity throughout the research process. “It was important to ensure that participants felt safe, respected, and supported at all times.”
She also faced moments of self-doubt and fatigue, but remained committed through discipline and perseverance. Despite these challenges, she shared that the journey was marked by meaningful highlights. “Witnessing the depth and honesty of learner expression through visual methods was particularly impactful and showed how powerful learner voices can be when they are given the opportunity to be heard,” said Vawda.
Her success is deeply rooted in the unwavering support of her family. “My parents and siblings have been my biggest supporters. Their encouragement, sacrifices, and belief in me carried me through every challenge,” she said.
Vawda describes the experience as both emotional and rewarding. “It represents hard work, resilience, and personal growth. I feel proud, grateful, and excited for what lies ahead,” she said.
She is currently pursuing a Master of Education in Higher Education Teaching and Learning at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).
To fellow honours students, her advice is simple yet powerful: “Believe in yourself and trust the process. Stay organised, remain consistent, and choose a topic you are passionate about. Growth comes through challenge.”
Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini
