Young boys in Kagiso addressed in mentorship programme

The Kagiso Skills Development Hub, commonly known as the L17 skills development hub, recently opened its doors for another landmark event.

On June 3, residents gathered at the centre to raise funds for a mentorship programme aimed at young men in the community.

• Also read: Giving young men a platform to speak out

The speakers addressing the community were programme director Joel Peter Nkosi, a social worker at L17 Pinky Zondo, as well as programme coordinator Ndumiso Paul Mdaka.

They said that many boys in the area fall victim to drug use, crime and having a directionless life. The purpose of the event was also an opportunity to highlight the important role that men play in society and how much of an impact their upbringing has on their adulthood if they do not have someone to guide them and ensure they don’t play a negative role in society.

Raising a young man in this day and age is more challenging than ever before.

“The exposure to social media and bad friends at school, requires us to further equip ourselves on how best we can raise our children. We are living in the streets filled with violence, drugs and alcohol abuse, explicit sex, poverty and other social ills that our boys are exposed to daily,” said Ndumiso.

He also added that for parents to get the best out of their children, they need to support them in every way possible. This may be accomplished through listening to them, guaranteeing their emotional well-being, and keeping track of their whereabouts. Parents at the event were also given the space to have their say about raising young boys and advising other parents on how they can raise their boys.

• Also read: Stopping crime starts at a young age

Nondlala Tykathe, a single mother, who raised her son also had a very important message to the parents and the boys in attendance.

You have what it takes to move mountains. Don’t let the streets and social ills take away your vision and goals in life. You can do it, just believe.”