Future leaders empowered with skills.

Five schools were invited to participate in Men Restoring Dignity – Change Leader Programme held at Kathorus Child and Family Centre in Thokoza on Friday March 10.

The five schools from around Katlehong that participated were Buhlebuzile High School, Landulwazi Comprehensive School, Thabo Ntsako Secondary School, Thoko-Thaba High School and Tiisetsong High School.

Only boys were chosen to participate.

The purpose of the event was to restore the dignity of men in the society by reactivating the role and values of real men.

Emmanuel Maema, organiser of the event, said the Change Leader Programme’s mandate is to develop future leaders who will live, instil and embrace the real values of ubuntu, respect and integrity.

“We took the responsibility to develop future role models and future leaders who will champion meaningful humanity in the Republic of South Africa,” said Maema.

“The problem is that most of the societal programmes exclude men, focusing more on women abuse, child abuse and girls as well as substance abuse, but little to nothing is being done for men.

“Looking at all these problems and challenges which our societies are facing, the common factor happens to be men as the perpetrators of most crimes. It is therefore a mountain to climb to help men when they have reached adulthood,” Maema explained.

The programme is aimed at reducing the following societal challenges:

* The high number of men in jail.

* The high number of deaths among men.

* The high number of men who consume alcohol.

* Community and societal discomfort.

* The high number of police officers being killed on and off duty.

* The high number of single mothers.

* The climbing number of orphanages.

* The high number of academic failures among men.

* The high number of accidents caused by men.

Maema said the programme also aims to reduce the following:

* Cultural and religious differences.

* Women abuse.

* Child abuse.

* Alcohol abuse.

* Drug abuse.

* Peer pressure.

* Misaligned competition.

* Illegal gambling.

* Violence in schools, homes, communities and society.

* Killings of civil servants, such as police officers.

* Assault and rape.

* Robberies, burglary, house-breaking and hijacking.

* Corruption.

“It is in this environment where we, as the stewards of this present generation, must face the challenges of developing, training, releasing and reproducing a generation of leaders who can secure the future of our children and their children,” Maema concluded.

Modibedi Motsapi (18), a Grade 11 learner at Buhlebuzile High School, said he was happy to be mentored by Maema.

“My father works as a truck driver. He is not always around because of his work, which requires that he travels long distances.

“Most of all I need support so that I can be able to fulfil my dream of being a professional soccer player. I need my talent to be exposed, so that big soccer teams will be able to see me, and possibly recruit me to play for them,” Motsapi said.

Maema said Motsapi needs help because of his family’s financial constraints.

“If he can get help he will be able to pursue his career as a footballer,” said Maema.