Latest news with #InternationalDayoftheBoyChild
eNCA
18-05-2025
- General
- eNCA
Effects of play deprivation
JOHANNESBURG - This International Day of the Boy Child, we recognise the importance of play in social development. Siyavuya Mbethe is a single parent of seven boys. And Nomveliso Mthini founded Iziko Lam Projects and a movement called "I Never Played As A Child". They both recognise the power of healthy play and creating an environment which promotes it.
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Gauteng social worker champions the rights supfor boys on International Day
Lesego Mathye, a registered social worker based in Protea Glen, is passionate about raising awareness for the International Day of the Boy Child, celebrated annually on May 16. Founded by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, this day aims to bring attention to boys' challenges and circumstances. Mathye's experience working with children in conflict with the law has given her insight into the struggles boys face, including substance abuse, absent fathers, identity crises, peer pressure, and gangsterism. 'I have seen first-hand that most children who engage in criminal activities and delinquent behaviours are boys,' Mathye said. ALSO READ: Vaccinate your children against flu this winter She believes boys often receive less recognition than girls, except for International Men's Day in November. According to Mathye, one of the most significant pressures affecting boys is emotional suppression. 'Boys are taught not to cry, discouraging them from expressing their emotions healthily. Instead, they often express anger and disappointment through destructive behaviour.' Mathye suggests that parents, aunts, and uncles can create a tradition of having honest and deep conversations with their sons or nephews every month. This can give boys the courage to express themselves without fear of judgment. Additionally, Mathye recommends that schools and churches host workshops or seminars to raise awareness about mental illness and its impact on boys. Mental health practitioners, teachers, and successful individuals can be invited to share their experiences and encourage boys to stay in school. ALSO READ: TB signs and prevention tips for children Mathye advocates for boys' rights as a social worker by assessing and identifying their needs. She believes social workers can collaborate with schools to support boys through counselling and mentorship programs. Mathye emphasises the importance of community involvement, quoting an African proverb: 'The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel the warmth.' By working together, Mathye hopes to create a more supportive environment for boys to thrive. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
16-05-2025
- General
- TimesLIVE
Education department to ensure that no boy child is left behind, says Gwarube
Basic education minister Siviwe Gwarube says her department will ensure that no male child is left behind as boys continue to face educational, emotional and social challenges. This follows recent studies on South Africa's systematic evaluation which showed that boys are constantly underperforming, have lower health knowledge and are more likely to drop out of school than girls. 'In our efforts to address the gender disparities, many of them rightly focus on the empowerment of girls. We have overlooked and left the boy child behind in our classrooms and more broadly in our communities and society,' Gwarube said. During the commemoration of the International Day of the Boy Child at the Thaba Tshwane City Hall in Centurion, Gwarube emphasised that in pursuit of gender equity the boy child must not be overlooked. She called for a balanced approach, one that uplifted both boys and girls, while reinforcing the department of basic education's commitment to inclusive, supportive and nurturing school environments. 'Let us write a new story for the boy child. Let us provide him with space to cry without shame, to dream without limit and to rise without fear,' said Gwarube. The reason boys were left behind, she said, was that society continued to cling to rigid notions of masculinity. From a young age boys were taught to suppress their emotions, man up and avoid expressing fear or sadness. 'A continent cannot rise if its sons and daughters are not growing together. A country cannot thrive if its classrooms are filled with disengaged, unsupported young men. And a community cannot flourish when its boys are burdened by silence, shame and societal neglect,' she said. Deputy minister of basic education Dr Makgabo Reginah Mhaule said that all children, regardless of gender, deserved attention, care and support tailored to their unique circumstances and challenges. Gauteng education and sports, arts, culture and recreation MEC Matome Chiloane dealt with the serious challenges boys faced in schools, including gangsterism, bullying and dropping out of school. He said a targeted anti-bullying campaign was being developed and that several schools had already implemented an anonymous bullying reporting system for both pupils and teachers. These efforts formed part of a broader strategy to support pupils through a range of dedicated programmes. The International Day of the Boy Child, celebrated on May 16 each year, is a significant event during Child Protection Month in the country. The day highlights the significance of boys' welfare and the difficulties they encounter while also honouring the positive contributions they make to their families and communities.
eNCA
16-05-2025
- General
- eNCA
What message do you have for the boy child ?
JOHANNESBURG - As the world marks International Day of the Boy Child on 16 May, South Africans recognise the challenges they face. While the world push for gender equality focusing on empowering girls and women, the challenges faced by boys are often overlooked. In South Africa, many boys grow up in tough social circumstances. According to The Character Company, a non-profit organisation, poverty, crime, gangsterism, and substance abuse affect millions of households making it harder for families to raise boys into responsible men. Most striking, the organisation highlights that 70% of South African children are growing up in single-parent homes, and four out of five boys lack a consistent, positive male role model. 'Fatherless boys, or those without meaningful relationships with caring adult men, are more vulnerable to idolising 'alpha male' influencers or local gangster bosses with flashy cars,' the NGO says. To mark the day, eNCA posed a question on social media: With the recent horrific incidents involving children, what message do you have for the boy child?' Responding to this on X, user Africa Mthiyane said young boys deserve mentors, role models and a better understanding of themselves. Another user also on X, Botho Mpholo says boys should "stay positive and out of trouble. Strive to be the best you can be." On Facebook David Sindana reflected on the importance of religion saying it is best suited to mould them into better men. Jennifer Clapham Rijkenberg shifted from religion to books emphasising the importance of education. She also stressed the need for parents to be aware of their parenting skills. Meanwhile Elizabeth C Nortje said boys should, 'listen to your mother and father, they know best, have a good heart, stay humble, respect your elders and earth. Be kind, offer help where needed. "Be kind to animals. Listen before you speak. Speak kind words. Love your mother, when you do that, you will be a good young man one day.'
eNCA
16-05-2025
- General
- eNCA
International day of the boy child
DURBAN - International Day of the Boy Child is celebrated on 16 May each year. The day highlights the significance of boys' welfare and the difficulties they encounter, while also honouring the positive contributions they make to their families and communities. This morning on the South African Morning Soapbox, we want to know what message you would like to share with young boys.
