**Teacher’s Empowering Classroom Song Goes Viral**
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Grade 1 teacher, Gelda Waterboer, has captured international attention with a powerful classroom lesson that is resonating with audiences worldwide. A TikTok video shared by Waterboer showcases her teaching her young students about body safety through a bold and impactful song in Namibia.

In the viral video, Waterboer leads her class in a chant empowering the children to protect their bodies by singing, “These are my private parts, private parts, private parts, these are my private parts no one should touch them.” The message is clear – empowering children to speak up when their boundaries are crossed.

The video, which has garnered over 160 million views, sparked a significant online dialogue. While many praised the teacher’s direct approach, some questioned the intensity of the message. In response, Waterboer clarified that teaching children to assert their boundaries is about safeguarding their well-being, not just teaching manners.
Waterboer emphasised the importance of empowering children to say no and educating them about body autonomy. She urged both adults and parents to foster an environment where children feel empowered to speak up if they feel uncomfortable. She stressed the significance of children understanding that their bodies belong to them, and they have the right to refuse unwanted contact.
The teacher’s passion for teaching body safety to her students stems from her own childhood experiences. Waterboer revealed that she lacked a teacher who taught her the importance of setting boundaries, leading her to become the educator she needed growing up. She highlighted the cultural taboo surrounding discussions about body autonomy in many African households, which often silences children from speaking up.
Waterboer’s dedication to empowering her students through education and advocating for their safety has garnered support from parents and fellow educators. Despite facing criticism for her assertive teaching style, she remains steadfast in her belief that children must be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves.
Waterboer’s commitment to instilling a sense of empowerment in her students underscores the crucial role educators play in shaping the next generation. By encouraging children to assert their boundaries and speak out against any form of abuse, teachers like Waterboer are paving the way for a safer and more informed society.
