Africa-Press – Botswana. To protect and preserve the life of a girl child, it is vital to groom boys into becoming virtuous men in society, says Mr Kgosietsile Ngakaagae, chairperson of the Father and Son Bootcamp.
The remarks were made during a men’s conference held in Lotlhakane West on Saturday, which advocated for all necessary measures to build a harmonious society free from violence.
Mr Ngakaagae noted that the bootcamp, often referred to as the men’s conference, was established a few years ago after recognising that violence within societies was claiming the lives of many women.
He emphasised that the primary goal was to mentor young boys and men alike on managing pressure and resolving issues peacefully, without resorting to violence.
The bootcamp aims to empower boys to strive to be even better than their fathers.
He raised concerns about the disproportionate number of violent crimes committed by men, underscored by the high male population in maximum-security prisons.
Member of Parliament for Moshupa/Manyana Mr Karabo Gare, praised the men’s conference initiative and expressed hope that if similar programmes aimed at empowering boys had been instituted earlier, many violent crimes could have been prevented.
He commended the organisers of the men’s conference and urged young boys to seize the opportunity to acquire valuable life skills.
Representing the boy child at the conference, 13-year-old Ranoi Primary School pupil, whose name is withheld, expressed feelings of sadness due to his parents’ constant preoccupation with business endeavours, leaving little time spent with him.
He confides in his older brother in light of his parents’ busy schedule. Dr Kimanzi Muthengi, acting representative of UNICEF Botswana, emphasised the need for fathers to be present in their sons’ lives, to understand their hobbies and interests, and to offer support through active involvement.
He remarked that many fathers today were often absent due to work commitments and must carve out time for their sons amidst their busy lives.
He said when a father or son was silent, it may signal underlying issues, as both were navigating their own challenges.
He stated that fatherhood extended beyond providing material support; it encompassed, guiding, protecting, and being emotionally available for one’s children.
Further, he acknowledged challenges fathers faced in raising sons in a digital age, where boys encountered varying perceptions of manhood via online platforms.
Unfortunately, he said, social media exacerbated the disconnect between fathers and sons. He urged fathers to engage in meaningful discussions about crucial life stages, such as adolescence and puberty, with their sons.
He thus encouraged fathers to impart wisdom on life matters, including dating and marriage, and to support their sons during important milestones, such as their first dates.
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