The Likhona Ithemba Foundation, in collaboration with Intuthuko Recruitment and Development, a non-profit, hosted its first boys’ and young men’s indaba on Saturday 24 September.
This first annual event took place at the Genesis Hub in Vredenburg. Nosipho Lisa, CEO of Likhona, said the initiative was important for it aimed to help shape the boys of the future who will one day become leaders in our communities.
Thirty boys from different areas in the West Coast joined the mentoring session.
Guest speakers and mentors on the day included Ashley Constant, Patrick Lakabane, Henrico Adonis and others.
The boys learnt more about career opportunities, crime and its consequences, the importance of finding purpose at a young age just to name a few.
According to Lisa the highlight for her was the speakers, who accepted the invitation to participate in the indaba at such short notice.
“We are thrilled over their agreeing to address the young men considering they are very prominent people in their respective areas of expertise,” she said.
“We had speakers from as far afield as KwaZulu-Natal, who sent video clips. The boys connected and enjoyed the sessions.”
Lucky Mdingi of Intuthuko Recruitment and Development said the intervention has been on their minds for years now. “Our focus on girls and gender-based violence made us realise the boys had been neglected,” he said. “As men ourselves we took the initiative to make a difference.”
Mdingi added that the day was no less than “marvellous. We gained a lot on the day, and going forward we will need funding as we are planning camping for the boys, interactions with them and their families.”
Sisipho Saunders, also of Likhona, also dubbed the day a “huge success”, adding the boys were “a beautiful group to work with, very attentive, and the guest speakers were amazing.” Should anyone wish to contribute to this initiative directed at young males, or even to know more about the Likhona Ithemba Foundation or Intuthuko Recruitment and Development, their aims and objectives, and other initiatives, Lisa can be contacted on 082 556 0691 and Mdingi on 078 382 8626 or at Lmdingi@ymail.com.
