ZIMBABWE focused on dealing with the rising issues the world faces today such as drug abuse, bullying, depression, gender-based violence and suicide among boys and young men when the country marked the International Day of the Boy Child this weekend.
The International Day of the Boy Child was celebrated on May 16 this year with activities revolving around boys and mental health, but commemorations have been slated for May 24 at SPM Academy in Harare.
The Precious Children’s Arts Organisation (PICA) will mark the event, in collaboration with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe — Harare province, SAYWHAT and Padare.
Other organisations involved in the event, which is running under the theme From Boys to Men, include Boys Engage, The African Boy Child, ProDiary, Childline Zimbabwe, TPT, JSNZ as well as several individuals.
In a statement, PICA said: “The day promises to be packed with education, inspiration and fun, offering boys a unique opportunity to grow, express themselves and connect. There will be motivational power talks from respected men of influence who will inspire the boys with real stories of resilience and purpose.
“Engaging Life Skills and Health Talks will tackle key topics such as identity, emotions, mental health, and self-worth, with sessions carefully grouped by age to allow honest conversations.”
The boys are also expected to take part in interactive exhibitions hosted by wellness and child protection organisations, giving them access to resources and people who care about their growth.
“The event will include self-defence sessions to promote personal safety and confidence, and team-building games and activities to encourage unity, discipline and leadership. A movie screening curated by SAYWHAT, specially selected for boys, will offer both entertainment and powerful life lessons.
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“With so much change and uncertainty in the world, now more than ever we must invest in our boys. If we want men of value tomorrow, we must nurture and guide the boys today.
“Let’s raise a generation of boys who are confident, emotionally intelligent and proud of who they are. Let’s remind the world that the boy child matters too,” the PICA statement added.
Declared in 2018 by Jerome Teelucksingh, the International Day of the Boy Child calls for a global shift in recognising the challenges boys face and the importance of investing in their emotional, mental and social development.
