Many of us can remember episodes of bullying from our youth. Kids that intimidated or made fun of us when we seemed vulnerable. In the last decade, educators and counselors have made a concerted effort to teach children to recognize and stop bullying at schools. But with kids still facing hell daily, some with fatal consequences, there is still much to do.
When bullying affects Hispanic kids specifically, most immigrant parents are not sure about how to proceed. According to Kiria Cora of The Cora Foundation, many Latino children report being taunted and facing racist remarks at schools in Allegheny County and surrounding areas.
“Experiences of bullying in youth can lead to depression and isolation, harming individuals for a lifetime. Latino parents need to know their rights and when to act to prevent situations from worsening. No one should be bullied!,” shared Kiria.
It is personal for Joey and Kiria Cora. They decided to create the Foundation after their struggle trying to help their son facing a terrible episode of bullying at school. The teen was harassed and faced racism from classmates, with the increasingly hostile situation eventually leading to hospitalization. When the school leadership failed to act and discipline the aggressors, the Coras were dismayed.
They decided to act and help others in this situation, especially in the vulnerable Hispanic community. The Cora Foundation’s programs provide strategies and education to prevent and take action against bullying. The staff works with local Latino professionals and organizations to provide psychological and trauma-informed care. Thanks to a partnership with Casa San Jose, workshops were recently offered at Moon Township High School and Pittsburgh Concord Elementary School.
Kiria explained, “Our in-person seminars, conferences, and workshops at local schools are helping Hispanic children recognize bullying behaviors. We guide parents, providing orientation and resources, including translation services, so they can communicate with school staff and push for action early to protect their children.”
The Foundation implements community education programs to prevent bullying and cyberbullying and promotes a culture of peace and wellness in schools that keep bullying in check. They also advocate for legislation that requires schools to discipline or dismiss frequent aggressors. The Coras add, “Making schools safer for all children is the end goal. No one deserves being bullied”
To learn more about The Cora Foundation visit https://dilenomas.org or follow them on social media @THECORAFOUNDATION.
