What Is Going Wrong with the Boy Child?
The former president of the United States, Barack Obama, once said the boy child may walk through storms unseen, carrying wounds hidden behind silence and pride. Despite neglect, he must resist becoming a prisoner of bitterness and destruction. Society must raise him with care, but he must also raise himself with discipline, wisdom and purpose. […] The post What Is Going Wrong with the Boy Child? appeared first on The Namibian.
Black News 
The former president of the United States, Barack Obama, once said the boy child may walk through storms unseen, carrying wounds hidden behind silence and pride. Despite neglect, he must resist becoming a prisoner of bitterness and destruction. Society must raise him with care, but he must also raise himself with discipline, wisdom and purpose.
These words capture the painful reality facing boys today, who silently struggle while appearing strong.
While much effort has been directed towards empowering the girl child, who faced discrimination and limited opportunities for years, Namibian girls have recently outperformed boys in the Namibia Senior Secondary Certificate exams. By 2024, more female students attended tertiary institutions and dominated graduation figures, suggesting many boys are struggling academically.
Teachers increasingly report boys have difficulties with discipline, concentration, substance abuse, absenteeism and motivation. Boys are more prone to risky behaviour, peer pressure and dropping out.
Kavango West education director Pontianus Musore said boys accounted for 785 dropouts in his region compared to 675 girls, highlighting a concerning trend needing practical intervention.
Many Namibian youths face challenges like unemployment, poverty, alcohol abuse, violence and hopelessness, especially in informal settlements and rural areas. Some abandon school early to survive, becoming trapped in cycles of poverty and despair. Although gender-based policies address historical inequities, some argue that modern frameworks may unintentionally exclude disadvantaged boys and men.
Prisons increasingly hold young men who once had bright dreams but succumbed to negative influences. Recent incidents reveal young men struggling mentally and emotionally, sometimes leading to gender-based violence and suicide. High cultural expectations and beliefs like “real men don’t cry” lead boys to suppress emotions, increasing depression and anger often unnoticed until too late. Namibia needs more therapeutic and rehabilitative institutions rather than more prisons.
Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the greatest equaliser.” Indeed, education is a powerful tool for transformation. A disciplined and focused boy can overcome poverty and hardship. Namibia needs responsible young men who lead with courage, wisdom and purpose. Boys must learn that true strength lies not in violence or dominance but in discipline, humility, perseverance and wisdom. Society must not be indifferent to boys drowning in silence. Parents, schools, churches and communities must guide and mentor them.
Boys must also understand that the empowerment of women is not the destruction of men. Boys and girls are partners in nation-building. Namibia will only prosper when both receive equal guidance, education, love, protection and fair opportunities to succeed.
– Tomas Nehale
The post What Is Going Wrong with the Boy Child? appeared first on The Namibian.
