Challenges that obstruct the boy child education, such as dropping out of school, lack of support, use of harmful substances and mental health, have topped the agenda during the Boys to Men event held at Witvlei.
Speaking at the boys to men event, Omaheke Governor Pijoo Nganate says it will require a multi-sectoral approach to address complex issues that limit boys' progress.
“Our communities need you not in the future but now. We need you to be leaders who make wise choices, protectors who defend the vulnerable, peacemakers who resolve conflicts without violence, and brothers who lift each other up instead of tearing each other down. If you don't take place as builders of this nation, others will fill that space with negative influences, and that is how crime, drugs, and hopelessness take root,” he highlighted.
The Senior Presidential Advisor, Christine ||Hoebes touched on the importance of behavioural aspects of boys and what is expected from them to become responsible citizens.
“Boys are suffering. We can see it in schools, we can see it in the output at university, and we can see it in our societies. When you're looking for men, go to the soccer field or go to the stadium, and you will find them there. When you're looking for a place for mentors, go to certain places which I do not want to mention. It is either at the shebeens or bars or even at the car wash. These are very nice places for conventions for men, and we don't want men there anymore because if you want to restore the position of man and the voice of man, men must assemble at places like this where they speak to one another," she noted.
Founder of the 4by4 initiative Foundation, Sidney Boois reminded the boys about the importance of setting boundaries.
“We engaged because that is what life is all about, and it is just to engage and create a supportive environment just to make sure another person that just needs support gets it, and that is the whole slogan of this whole program. People don't need a lot of money from the government; they just need a lot of support from the government and from the same community they are in. As you plant the seed, somebody must come and water it and nurture it, and the Lord will make it grow."
Some of the boys Nbc News spoke to said that the initiative teaches them how to become a better man in life, support others, and use emotional intelligence to act in situations.
They also took part in various activities such as games, counselling services and a cook-off competition.