The unseen foundation reclaiming the boy child’s future

When a boy child is born, there is a primal celebration across cultures because there is assurance of continuation of life. In many societies especially in African context the child Is brought up well and initiated slowly to knowing his responsibilities. When he erred he was corrected and guided with firm compassion to understand the weight of his actions. The society embraced this boy with open arms seeing in him a future source of authority, strength and power.

In African context the theory of empowering a boy child is so important. If a boy has any physical deformity or hidden struggle, it sounds like a disgrace to the whole community. The entire community from the wisdom of Grandparents to the counsel of elders a solution is sought whether through medical intervention or traditional healing to ensure the boy reaches his full potential. Years past boys were taken into special training at initiation programs where they benefited all it required for them to become full men in the society. This programs not only taught them the values of life but also initiated them to deeper cultural mysteries, the unspoken values that bound their communities.

Grandparents had enough time to share the secrets of meaningful life experiences guiding these young men towards honorable futures. Parents were convinced of the culture of sending boys to those resourceful persons to fetch wisdom and inspirations. The success of this programs was evident in the strong and stable marriages and flourishing families they fostered. The upbringing did not end in marriage; it was a long life mentorship extending even into their own grand parenting years. The village truly raised the child. This profound sense of responsibility sadly feels like a distant memory today.

Then crucial time came and necessary societal shift came. As the urgent need for women empowerment rightly took center stage the girl child received unprecedented attention and support. And rightly so! Today we celebrate the impactful strides women have made, shattering barriers and standing strong on their own. Thanks to our legislative arms which have enacted vital policies and organizations who have created rescue homes and support systems for girls facing adversity. This are brilliant transformative achievements that we must continue to champion.

However, in this vital and long overdue focus something unintended happened. The boy child was in many ways left behind. Today most parents are grappling with a disturbing reality. Their sons are adrift. The relentless pace of modern life where parents return from work utterly exhausted leaves little time for the essential conversations, the quiet guidance, the shared moments that shape a young man’s character. The consequences are plainly seen and undeniable. A tragic rise in substance abuse alarming numbers in correctional and rehabilitation centers and aimlessness among our young men. Everyone laments this crisis, yet collective action remains elusive. Fathers once the exemplars of responsibility and wisdom, now often lack the time or the tools to truly connect with their sons to share their own life experiences and lessons or to be simply present. The boy child is left to navigate a complex world alone often without the foundational examples of responsibility even from his own family.

The alarming trend is not a blame game; it’s an urgent call to introspection. we must ask ourselves : where did we lose our way? The time has come for us to recognize that a thriving society needs both girls and boys to be whole, resilient and empowered. It’s time to reignite the collective responsibility, to remember the profound wisdom of our past and to actively uplift the boy child. Let us come together – policy makers, parents, community leaders and every concerned citizen to restore the boy child his rightful place as a confident, responsible and authoritative figure and a pillar of strength in our communities. The following link will take you to listen to the short video which speaks the challenges facing the boy child. https://youtu.be/RQjD90QPVhM?si=SQedhgHwN0AD2aah

Author. Denish Ondieki

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