Young men mentored at camp
A non-profit organisation, Zomnotho Community Development, collaborated with social development in implementing the programme.
About 100 young men participated in a boys’ inter-generational dialogue programme hosted by the KZN Department of Social Development at the Margate Hotel recently.
The three-day ‘Boyz Championing Change Mentoring Camp’ saw young men aged 15 to 24 from Ingwemabala High, Makhanda High and KwaMadlala as part of the programme.
KZN Social Development spokesperson, Mhlabunzima Memela, said the programme aimed to foster behavioural change and encourage responsible citizenship.
Memela said the programme was designed to help participants develop resilience and self-esteem while minimising their exposure to dangerous behaviours.
“Through various activities and discussions, the boys were taught the importance of being responsible citizens to positively impact their homes and communities. Emphasis was also placed on understanding the youths’ backgrounds as the programme seeks to guide them toward positive futures. By addressing the root causes of behavioural issues, the initiative helps the boys gain a clearer sense of direction and purpose,” he said.
A non-profit organisation, Zomnotho Community Development, collaborated with social development in implementing the programme.
Topics covered included self-awareness, personal values, ‘who am I and changing for the better’, positive masculinity, mental health, gateways to the brain, coping skills, leadership, and more.
The camp is the brainchild of Bongi Owusu, the director of the Gender and Women Empowerment Movement and Nqobile Cele, the chairperson of Zomnotho Community Development.
The pair has previously hosted a mother-and-daughter inter-generational programme.
Meanwhile, during the programme, young men were allowed to share their views. There were also team-building exercises at the beach that included singing, presentations, and more.
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