By Koviao Matuzee
The 4×4 Initiative Foundation, in partnership with Tate Group and Namibia Diamond Trading Company (NDTC), launched its first Boys Leisure Camp at Tate Village in Windhoek. It brought together young boys for a weekend of mentorship, mental health support and skills development.
The three-day camp, that ran from 12 to 14 June 2026, forms part of the foundation’s ongoing efforts to empower boys and young men through structured mentorship programmes.
During the camp, participants engaged in one-on-one and group sessions with psychologists, focusing on mental health, emotional awareness and healthy ways of expressing emotions.
The founder of the initiative, Sidney Boois said the programme was created in response to the growing challenges facing young men.
“If boys are not mentored and coached in a structured manner, they are likely to face the same challenges of unemployment, low educational attainment, mental health struggles and the lack of positive male role models,” Boois said.
He also added that these pressures often contribute to hopelessness, substance abuse and crime.
In addition to wellness activities, 15 participants received artificial intelligence (AI) training through Tate group and NDTC. The programme also included practical life skills such as cooking, recreational activities and games aimed at building confidence and teamwork.
Boois further added that the foundation has been operating for five years without government funding but has made significant strides in youth development.
To date, the organisation has registered more than 200 boys in its mentorship and coaching programme, reached over 5,000 boys through Boys2Men events, established more than 20 boys leadership clubs at schools and supported over 5,000 girls through its Drop-a-Sanitary Pad project.
The programme also seeks to challenge societal perceptions surrounding boys and young men. Representatives involved in the initiative stressed that “the boy child needs a platform” and called for greater support from communities and stakeholders.
They noted that harmful stereotypes continue to affect many young men and that interventions such as the camp can play a vital role in career building, personal growth and confidence development.
According to Boois, the camp is only the beginning. The foundation hopes to establish a dedicated Boys Life Centre and expand its programmes across the country.
“We strongly believe that stronger collaborations, greater support from the business sector and a whole-of-nation approach would ensure a sound, sane and safe society geared towards economic advancement,” he added.
