In our bid to address inequalities in girls’ education and combat the patriarchal system through the help-a-girl-child initiative, young boys have been neglected and left vulnerable to crime.
That was according to Dan Tloome Primary School and its stakeholders when they embarked on the help-a-boy-child initiative on 18 November.
The school principal, Nkhuseli Mafunda expressed concern that society was busy losing its men and boys. ‘Today, the jails are full of young boys and men. We have been so busy focusing on our girls that we have neglected the boys,’ he noted, saying the youngsters face drug abuse, violence, neglect and other social ills. ‘These boys should be moulded into respectful, responsible, future leaders of tomorrow. Most importantly, they should be taught to respect women and not abuse them Z they should love and protect them,’ he said.
Different speakers adopted the same stance as they delivered their presentations to the learners. Chris Botes, an official from the Department of Education, said the boys deserved real assistance from the school. ‘I believe the classrooms should be more “boy-friendly”. ‘You find that boys tend to be more impulsive in class and concentrate less, whereas girls are more organised and focused. The department will support this initiative. We need to rescue the moral fibre and instil Christian norms at home. We must not underestimate the role of the church. There is a complete meltdown… HIV/Aids, unemployment, child-headed families, and drugs… our religious leaders are the answer to this,’ he said.
Mzwandile Vice of Banna Ba Kae says boys should be mentored. ‘We need to rescue the fatherless generation. Social grants have substituted fathers. Boys need fathers who will mentor them and play a meaningful role, not social grants. He said women should stop raising children without their fathers.
Const. Moeketsi Mosiane says there is not a week that passes without him being called to the school because of stabbing incidents. He says boys need support from their parents. They should not be dumped in schools and the schools should not be expected to shoulder all the responsibility.
Capt. Mpho Moabi, the social worker in the SA Military Health Services addressed the boys when he delivered his didactic presentation on substance abuse. He discussed how drugs influence brain function, the classification of drugs, and addiction.
He urged them to stay away from dagga because it is a gateway drug to other drugs like nyaope and whonga. ‘You have dreams and goals. Drugs and alcohol will take away your goals and you could end up as a hobo or in a gang. Don’t make the wrong choices in life. Keep yourself busy with sports and something constructive.’
Maki Seheri from the premier’s office says there is already a project in place in Ext. 11 that is aimed at rehabilitating young boys.
The programme was concluded with the signing of a pledge of commitment to the project by the SANDF, SAPS, education department, the school, Banna Ba Kae and Aganang FM. The learners and educators also marched through the streets of Ext. 11.
He says boys need support from their parents. They should not be dumped in schools and the schools should not be expected to shoulder all the responsibility.
Capt. Mpho Moabi, the social worker in the SA Military Health Services addressed the boys when he delivered his didactic presentation on substance abuse. He discussed how drugs influence brain function, the classification of drugs, and addiction.
He urged them to stay away from dagga because it is a gateway drug to other drugs like nyaope and whonga. ‘You have dreams and goals. Drugs and alcohol will take away your goals and you could end up as a hobo or in a gang. Don’t make the wrong choices in life. Don’t say you come from a family of alcoholics and, therefore, you must end up like one. Keep yourself busy with sports and something constructive.’
Maki Seheri from the premier’s office says there is already a project in place in Ext. 11 that is aimed at rehabilitating young boys, some of whom have already dropped out of school.
The programme was concluded with the signing of a pledge of commitment to the project by the SANDF, SAPS, education department, the school, Banna Ba Kae and Aganang FM. The learners and educators also marched through the streets of Ext. 11.
