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.

First Gentleman Epaphras Ndaitwah stressed the urgent need to uplift the boy child, ensuring he is not left behind. He spoke at the launch of ‘Redefining Manhood’ and the Boys Club Manual by Andreas Robert.

Young people in Erongo Region have informed Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah that they are challenged by a lack of quality public education, unemployment, and the neglect of the boy child.

The 4x4 Initiative engaged boys between the ages of 12 and 21 about their role in society, aiming to educate them on values, encourage them to speak up, manage conflict, and gain communication skills.

Life skills teacher Pedro Kapirika says society has been so focused on uplifting the girl child that the boy child is left feeling neglected.

The teacher from Jacob Marengo visited Rundu in an effort to uplift some boys.

There was a time when the focus was solely on men.

Society places expectations on boys to be invulnerable, demonstrate strength, be self-sufficient, and, when faced with adversity, control their emotions and solve their problems alone.

Under-achievement and under-participation of boys in education have become a national concern and stakeholders are actively exploring ways to support the boy child.

A two-day colloquium was initiated by the University of Namibia (UNAM), to look into the topic.