By Kaundjire Humbu
First Gentleman Epaphras Ndaitwah has called for coordinated national action to address the growing social, educational and psychological challenges facing boys and young men.
He further warned that continued neglect could weaken the fabric of society.
Speaking at the Engaging Men and Boys Symposium, Ndaitwah said the country must move beyond fragmented interventions and develop coordinated programmes that respond specifically to the needs of boys.
He also announced that he launched the DEN Impact Foundation on recently, saying the initiative was prompted by what he described as the “Boy Child Crisis” in Namibia and globally.
Ndaitwah said the foundation seeks to empower boys through sport, agriculture, technical training, skills development and character building, while complementing gains made in programmes targeting girls.
He highlighted male mental health and the culture of silence surrounding men and boys as major concerns, noting that these factors contribute to disproportionately high suicide rates among boys and men.
Ndaitwah acknowledged the work already being done by non-governmental organisations, faith-based organisations, community groups and traditional leaders, while welcoming Government’s efforts to advance the agenda through a policy and strategic plan.
He called for more aggressive efforts to reach boys who are hardest to reach and ensure that no child is left behind.
“Boys and girls are equal in dignity, but not the same in their needs,” Ndaitwah said, urging implementers to develop programmes specifically designed around the unique needs of boys.
Ndaitwah further called on boys and men to take ownership of the agenda and urged stakeholders to leave the symposium with concrete commitments and coordinated action.
“Let us leave as one movement, with one voice and one coordinated national effort for the boys and men of Namibia,” he noted.
