POLOKWANE – The Westenburg Victim Empowerment (WVE) Centre, under the leadership of Apostle Bridget Hawkins, recently hosted its fourth annual ‘Grooming a Boy Child into a Responsible Man’ event at the Westenburg Hall.

Hawkins told Polokwane Observer that the initiative was designed for boys between the ages of 14 and 16, with the aim of empowering them to grow into responsible men, brothers, uncles, fathers and husbands.

Learners from Happy Day Combined School, Westenburg Secondary School, Greenside Primary School and Good Hope Primary School were invited to attend.

“With this initiative, we aim to help the boy child by taking them off the streets and away from drugs and harmful influences. That’s why we’ve brought in professionals and experienced speakers to motivate and guide them. This marks our fourth successful annual event, and we hope that the same boys who were here today won’t need to return next year. They’ll have grown from this experience,” Hawkins said.

The event was directed by Lazarus Mothapo, who introduced an inspiring line-up of guest speakers, including Dora Pitjeng from the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) in Seshego, pastor Rufus Makgalo, Rathabeng Mamabolo from the Father A Nation (FAN) non-profit organisation, Mmamokgadi Ramohlale from the Department of Correctional Services, and Ephodia Makumula from Social Development.

Each shared insights from their respective fields, offering encouragement and practical guidance to the boys.

A particularly impactful moment came from former inmate and now prison ambassador, Willy Phalakatshela, who shared his testimony.

“I ended up in jail because of bad choices. I never got the chance to go to school, and I’ll never have the chance to work because of my criminal record. Don’t make the same mistakes. Focus on your future, avoid peer pressure, choose your friends wisely, and always respect your parents and elders. Be humble and approach every situation with kindness,” he said.

Mamabolo reinforced messages of respect, responsibility and integrity, urging the boys to treat women with respect and refrain from bullying.

Ramohlale explained how poor decisions often lead people into the correctional system, while another speaker Tom Hawkins shared his own story about overcoming bad choices and learning from mistakes.

Bridget Hawkins closed the day on an uplifting note, dancing to her favourite songs and expressing heartfelt gratitude.

“A huge thank you to every learner and teacher who joined us, and to all the guest speakers who took time to inspire our boys,” she said.