LEARN FROM TRAGEDY
Kaleab Schmidt, at 13, showed all the signs of someone who would make his mark on the world. An honour roll student, he was a developing athlete who loved football. Photos of the young man, who was adopted from Ethiopia, show a charming smile and a face that exudes warmth.
Indeed, his name will be remembered in Saskatchewan. But instead of knowing him because of his life, we will know him through his death.
An inquest into the teen’s suicide shows the need for awareness and education in this province when it comes to bullying and racism. There has been testimony by his parents that repeated attempts to get help from agencies like the RCMP, schools and social services, and the availability of supports for people struggling with mental health clearly need to be examined in light of this case.
Quotes from his suicide note, which talks about hardships in his life prior to his adoption, also indicate he did not find a kinder, gentler culture in Canada. “I tried to see the better side of life but there isn’t (a) better side,” he wrote.
“Everyone has hurt me so this makes it easy … If I’m not happy, what’s the reason for living?”
His mother, Sandra Barker-schmidt, told the inquest that it is heartbreaking and must be carefully heard by the public. Prior to her son taking his life on the family farm near Balgonie on April 30, 2018, Sandra spoke of physical altercations and harassment that had gone on for some time. “He was bullied,” she said. “He was called the N-word.”
Barker-schmidt said he lost patience and lashed out at the fellow students with whom he had issues. In fact, Kaleab had been charged with assault causing bodily harm the day before his death.
The eyes of the province should be on this inquest, and we should be watching for the recommendations that come forth to try to prevent such tragedies for other youth. It should also be the subject of discussion in families, both to watch for signs of victimization and the bullying that contributed to this tragedy. Resources to aid in conversations are available in Saskatchewan through the bekindonline.com initiative.
Perhaps raising awareness could offer some comfort to this grieving family. So far, they have not seen the change they seek, and they say Kaleab’s younger sister was also target of a racist slur after her brother’s death.
This case deserves our attention, and this issue demands a significant shift in awareness and resources.
If you know a youth who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or bullying, you can access help through kidshelpphone.ca or by calling 1-800-668-6868.