The 4 X 4 Initiative Foundation launched its 6th Boys in Leadership camp at Ongeama Camp on the outskirts of Okahandja.

The founder of the initiative, Sydney Boois, stated that if boys are not intentionally nurtured, they are likely to make mistakes.

The government, he emphasised, must take greater action to ensure a secure future for the boy child, especially given that a significant proportion of crimes in the country are perpetrated by boys.

Boois emphasised the need for concrete strategies and actions in current efforts, urging male Members of Parliament to take the initiative and offer assistance.

He further took a shot at the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, saying that despite being the responsible body for grooming boys, they did not honour the invitation to address the gathering.

"If a boy is not structurally and intentionally groomed, there are unintentional consequences. What is it? It is those things, because there is no structure, no intentional strategy, even from the government, to groom the boy child. The government must come to me and tell me, 'Where is the guideline for boys?' Where is the strategy? And where is the funding for boys?"

The Ministry's Public Relations Officer, Lucas Haufiku, however, said they were unaware of the invitation.

Chief Inspector Hafeni Mwaningange of the police called on the boys to surround themselves with people who will inspire and guide them on the right path.

"Whatever you are doing today determines what you become. Use your time very wisely. Apostle Paul writes like that: use your time wisely because the days are evil."

Artist Jericho Gawanab, who is the ambassador of the 4 X 4 Initiative, spoke to the boys about the importance of having a dream and being persistent.

According to him, what they see on TV came from a dark background—from being bullied, living on the street, being addicted to drugs, and getting in and out of prison from the age of 16.

The camp will train 37 boys over the next two weeks.

To date, the camp has successfully trained over 230 boys.

Namibia is actively strengthening efforts to support the boy child, targeting mental health, crime prevention, and career mentorship.

These include the Boy Child Moulding Program in schools and targeted government-backed workshops promoting positive masculinity.

Among those supporting these efforts is First Gentleman Epaphras Ndaitwah, who has established the empowerment of the boy child as a top priority, focusing on mentorship, encouraging responsible manhood, and combating gender-based violence.