It should have been the happiest time of her life, but her high school years turned into a rotten period in which she was subjected to prolonged and systematic bullying. The 16-year-old Puk* from IJmuiden nevertheless managed to get through it and on Wednesday evening, during the exam gala in the Thalia Theater, said goodbye to Vellesan College in IJmuiden with his head held high.
To make a statement against bullying, the fourth-year mavo student wanted to be dropped off at the party by motorcycle. Jaap Bakker, an acquaintance of the family and avid biker, did not let himself be told that twice. He posted an appeal on Facebook to accompany Puk on his way to the gala. Result: he got hundreds of registrations.
‘Little on top’
The girl gets a massive escort on her way to Thalia. Peter Niemeijer, her father: “What is happening here really suits Puk. When she is bullied, she does not let herself be boxed, but throws a little extra.”
He calls it a ‘solid support’ for his daughter. “Something she really deserves. Besides the fact that Puk herself was bullied, she has been a support for other children who are bullied from an early age. This stunt is the result of Puk’s philosophy and that means that if you are different, you are not need to be treated differently.”
Text continues below the video about the preparations for the biker tour against bullying
Exam stunt – NH News
The bikers’ tour through IJmuiden is not intended as a middle finger to the bullies who have made her life miserable. “It’s aimed at bullying in general,” says her father.
“It is very bad that children who are different are not accepted. Puk is someone who likes to dress differently. She once dyed her hair blue and put on two different shoes. That is her answer to children who bully her.” Her choice of clothing is in keeping with the steampunk style (a fantasy movement that combines elements from the Victorian era with science fiction/ed.).
Mayor Dales wants fewer participants in Puk biker tour: “Effect on public safety too great”
The municipality of Velsen allows the organization of the biker tour fewer participants than initiator Jaap Bakker had hoped. Mayor Frank Dales: “Because a larger event like this has an effect on public order and safety, we usually discuss this with an organizer in good time.”
“This starts with a notification from the organizer or a permit application at a larger event. That did not happen in this case, this was reason for us to talk to the organizer today,” explains the mayor.
“He has indicated in this conversation that a major event is not the intention as far as he is concerned. That is why he is still publishing a new message to ensure that the number of motorcyclists remains limited on Wednesday. He calls on motorcyclists who will be there anyway. to abide by all rules, including the traffic regulations and not wearing the appearance of motorcycle clubs. The latter is not allowed for motorcycle clubs that have been banned by the court. We assume that the motorcyclists who will come will adhere to the rules will follow.”
Jaap Bakker thinks it’s a shame, but understands the measure. “Based on the registrations, we think that about a thousand bikers wanted to come. We are now going to reduce that number to half. That is still a lot. We are going to set up a wonderful event. We also think we can make the statement with five hundred bikers. can make bullying really not cool.”
Peter Niemeijer accuses the school management of Vellesan of taking too little action against bullying his daughter. “They haven’t taken it seriously enough. There is of course a bullying protocol, but no real coordinator. That was more like a teacher who did it on the side.”
“And I wonder whether enough has been maintained. While that was really necessary, because there was a lot going on at school”, Peter continues. “Although I also understand the limitations. Bullies also have the right to education. So they return to the classroom after a suspension of a few days.”
NH Nieuws will be present live tomorrow at the biker’s tour against bullying. This can be followed from approximately 7.30 pm on the nhnieuws.nl site, the app and via Facebook.
* Puk is a nickname. The real name of the girl is known to the editors.
“We do everything we can to prevent bullying”
Marc Boelsma, director of Vellesan College, responds as follows: “I find it difficult to discuss this individual situation. I know that the family appreciates privacy. In a general sense I would like to say that we are a broad school community. are, where children should be able to be themselves, in expression and in clothing. That is possible here at school! I do not recognize the picture that is being painted. We have a serious anti-bullying policy and do everything we can to prevent bullying , but unfortunately it cannot always be prevented. We as a school also have our limitations in this, because you do not know exactly what happens on social media, for example.”