An uplifting boy child empowerment event was held at Molibeli Primary School, in Phuthaditjhaba, Qwaqwa, on Friday, 21 November. The event saw over 100 teenage boys gathered to hear motivational and uplifting talks from various speakers from significant fields of work. The boys were from Grades 6 and 7.
The event was hosted by Pelo Ya Modisa, an NPO that is committed to developing children and uplifting vulnerable groups in the community. This initiative formed part of the organisation’s long-term vision to provide safe spaces, guidance, and resources for boys who often grow up without consistent mentorship or support.
According to founder and organiser Thandi Xaba, the aim was simple but urgent which is to give boys the tools to navigate modern challenges while reminding them that their voices, feelings, and dreams matter.
“We talk so much about empowering the girl child, which is equally important, especially in light of the rise and alarming cases of GBV; however, for a balanced conversation, we also need to include boys in the conversation. They also need affirmation, guidance, mentorship, and love, and as such, no child should be left behind,” said Xaba.
Speakers that were invited included Sergent ME Mofokeng and Sergent MJ Mokoena from Namahadi Police Station, with Sergent Mofokeng giving a stellar talk to the boys about various pressing social ills such as the dangers of crime, gangsterism, and drugs.
Also present were Morena Ernest Moloi, Morena Polane Moloi, and Morena Matooane Mota representing Banna Kgotla, as well as guest speaker and well-known psychologist Benedict “Dr Better” Mhlongo.
The different speakers cautioned the boys against crime, drugs, gangsterism, and other burning matters young boys are faced with daily. One of the highlights came from Dr Better, encouraging the boys to dream big and keep education their top priority.
At the end of the talks, Pelo Ya Modisa distributed close to 100 hygiene packs to the boys as well as snacks. “The hygiene packs are part of resorting the boy child’s dignity and reminding him that he matters and we are here to journey with him on his journey of becoming a reputable man in our community,” said Xaba.
#BeTheFirstToKnow
TO SUPPORT FREE STATE WORLD NEWSPAPER AND THE WORK WE DO, DONATE TO US ON OUR ACCOUNT NO HERE:
Grace T GROUP
Capitec Bank Account (CAPITEC BUSINESS)
Account number: 1051608058
Account Type: Current Account
Business Branch Code:450105
