The Yargote Foundation for children, Youth and Women development, a Non-Governmental Organisation on Saturday in Abuja launched the second cohort of its Empower the boychild project in kabusa community.
At the screening and registration exercise for the project, the Executive Director and Founder of the foundation, Mrs Anna-Hussaini Pai, said the project aims to address the long-overlooked challenges faced by boys and steer them toward positive societal roles.
She revealed the plan to take the project across communities in the Federal Capital Territory, with the intention of enrolling at least 100 beneficiaries in each of these communities.
“This programme is designed not only to impart skills but to foster self-discovery and help the boys realise their full potential.
“Through this after-school programme, we offer both formal and informal education, teaching essential life skills often neglected in traditional schooling, such as personal hygiene, emotional intelligence, and societal responsibilities,” Pai explained.
Volunteers of the foundation highlighted the critical need for the initiative, noting that the boy child had been neglected in many empowerment efforts to date.
Miss Adze Inki, a volunteer, stressed, “We are determined to change the narrative and restore dignity to the boy child.
“Many societal issues stem from boys lacking guidance during their formative years. This project seeks to redirect that energy positively.
“The empowerment programme, which will run from June through November, will culminate in a summit that brings together participants to celebrate their growth and achievements.”
Mrs Hannah Ayhok, another volunteer, outlined the programme’s broad curriculum, which included lessons on family dynamics, peer pressure, community engagement, and civic duties.
“There is a damaging cultural expectation that boys should suppress their emotions, leading to harmful stereotypes and behaviours.
“Our programme encourages boys to express themselves healthily and to embrace their roles responsibly,”Ayhok noted.
Miss Theresa Reng, also a volunteer, expressed concern over the number of boys aimlessly roaming streets without direction.
“This initiative offers hope by providing mentorship and counselling, giving these boys a chance to rethink their paths and become productive members of society.”
She said with the “Empower the Boy Child Project,” Yargote Foundation hoped to spark lasting change, empowering boys to become responsible men who contribute positively to their communities.
