Young men in our society are faced with various challenges such as lack of skills development, substance abuse, becoming fathers at an early stage, peer-pressure, dropping out of school, involved in crime, lack of family supportive system, lack of fatherhood to talk about men related issues, high unemployment, mentorship and a platform to let them talk about issues affecting them as fathers and community leaders of tomorrow.
Muyo Youth Centre based in Ext. 12 Kagiso organized a 2 Days Young Men Dialogue with a number of stakeholders, Religious Leaders, Men Sector in Mogale City, Mogale City Social workers, Chairperson of Muyo Youth Centre at Ext 12 Kagiso recently hosted the conference at Ext 12 Community Hall.
The purpose of the dialogue was to create a platform for young men to talk about their depressing issues they face and the reality of their absentee fathers. This opportunity helped them tackle issues such as indulgence in substance abuse, crimes, gangsterism, mental health issues, and the staggering high unemployment.
Boitshepo Lesetedi from Men Sector in Mogale City mentioned that, “young men need such platforms to talk about their depressing issues, mentorship programmes, supportive system from their parents and men related issues. This was a good start and if the boy child could be given space to talk, they could be a better people.
We see them on the street corners as community members and we label them as criminals and whenever crime is committed, we put blame on them. As community members, we don’t know the real stories of these young men and what are the reasons they engage in gangsterism and take substance abuse.”
Thapelo Madi a social worker and in community development services in Mogale City mentioned, “we need to have a continual engagement so we can help them with their depression issues and equip them with skills to be empowered. We need to create a forum to breach the gap between young men and women so we can know what issues affecting them are. Young people are solution driven, therefore our communities and government should create an environment for their proactive development.
Thapelo Sibande from Muyo Youth Centre based at Ext 12 Kagiso mentioned. “A Black child should not give up, men should learn to speak-up about issues they face and the black child should read. We are going to have more programmes for young men such as skills development programs as initiatives for entrepreneurship to empower young black males.
Thabo Motlhabi
Soweto Sunrise News
