Northwest cluster's Kia Kaha speech competition

POSITIVE MESSAGE: Shyran Sharma, 11, holds his winning speech cup with police education officer, Constable Mike Clague.

Photo by Ben Watson.

By Rani Timoti

Shyran Sharma isn't afraid to speak his mind - especially when it comes to bullying.

The 11-year-old spoke at length on the topic during the North West Schools cluster year 5 and 6 speech competition and won.

Among those lining up to congratulate him is Henderson-based police education officer, Constable Mike Clague.Mr Clague is promoting the Kia Kaha anti bullying programme around west Auckland’s 27 schools.

He says children who are bullied often keep away from school and don't achieve their full potential.

"We try and teach them how to create an environment where bullying is not accepted," he says.

Western Leader