Local learners learn about prioritising a boy child
The male learners were also given a taste of ground-breaking national programme that aims to address issues of masculinity and gender-based violence as part of the celebration for the International Day of the Boy Child.
Learners at Fidelitas Comprehensive Secondary School watched a film titled What About the Boys, which forms a key part of the programme of the same name on May 16.
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The male learners were also given a taste of the ground-breaking national programme that aims to address issues of masculinity and gender-based violence as part of celebrating International Day of the Boy Child.
The day also saw learners taking part in a dialogue through the Young Men Movement by Kabelo Chabalala and were also addressed by actor, Cornet Mamabolo.
Primestars launched What About the Boys? movement last year and thus far, the programme has reached more than 15 000 boys.
It teaches them to engage and share their emotions in healthy ways, accept and connect with others, stand up and speak out against bullying and inequality, and help them break free from rigid stereotypes.
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The programme was rolled out again this year and aims to reach even more boys via its educational film, booklets, mentorship programme and an in-school programme. It also has the endorsement of the Office of the Presidency.
Addressing delegates at the second Presidential Summit on Gender-based Violence and Femicide last year, President Cyril Ramaphosa said, “We need to reach out to boys and young men, to develop masculinities that value respect, understanding and accountability.
“A good example of this is the project by Primestars, which in collaboration with government, focuses on redefining masculinity among young men. This programme needs to be rolled out to all the schools in the country.”
Primestars COO, Nkosinathi Moshoana said he believed it was possible to create a nation of better men.
“We are a fatherless nation, but through resolute programmes such as What About The Boys? we are able to get these boys mentors that will inspire them to be better men in future.
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“The celebration of this day is significant to the nationwide project that Primestars initiated last year and that we will continue to grow annually.”
For the boys, the event provided important food for thought.
One of the Grade Eight learners, Gontse Mnisi said, “Today gave me a good perspective because I’m learning about being a great man for my future self and for my future kids.”
“We need to listen to this information about what it means to be a good man. This programme should go to all schools so that the boys can understand,” added fellow learner, Tshegofatso Seabala.
