Foundation’s outreach aims to bridge mentorship gap affecting young boys – Founder
Foundation’s outreach aims to bridge mentorship gap affecting young boys – Founder
Kuro-wari Global Foundation has said its Boys’ Connect programme is designed to address the mentorship gap among boys, noting that while girls are often deliberately guided at home, many boys are left to navigate growth on their own, as the outreach aims to bridge mentorship gap.
The Founder of the foundation, Miebaka Nyanabo, stated this during the outreach held at the Federal Government Science and Technical College, Garki, Abuja, to commemorate the International Day of the Boy Child.
The outreach with the theme “Level Up in Real Life:From Boys to Men” featured mentorship sessions, leadership talks, and discussions on mental health, peer pressure, drug abuse, and character.
Nyanabo, a legal practitioner, who said boys too need attention, called for deliberate investment in the emotional, moral, and leadership development of boys in Nigeria.
“Girls are often intentionally trained at home, while boys are left to grow on their own creating a gap, so this outreach aims to bridge the mentorship gap affecting many young boys.
She said the Kuro-wari Global Foundation decided to go back to primary and secondary schools to help shape the minds of boys, to imbibe leadership qualities, character, integrity and help them make the right choices and critical decisions in their lives.
“The teenage years are one of the most dynamic years for any young person and those are years that can make or mar a young person.
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“So, the foundation gives direction to those young boys, and that’s the concept behind today’s celebration of International Day of the Boy’s Child and our theme was level up in real life from boys to men.
“There is a different way to think and the fact that your choices today shape the outcome of your life tomorrow.
“So, we thought if we give them direction, those boys will hopefully have better lives and that is the idea behind it. We are used to girls being trained and all that but today we are having the boys.”
Nyanabo added that the foundation created an event where boys could not just listen to people but have conversations on several areas with mentors who have walked the path.
She called on parents and policymakers to stop assuming boys would naturally “figure life out” without guidance.
She added that boys should intentionally be shaped into leaders who understood responsibility, influence, and character.
Addressing the students, a facilitator, Kelvin Ikegwuonu, encouraged the boys to remain resilient in spite life’s struggles and societal pressures.
According to Ikegwuonu, many young boys today are battling emotional neglect, depression, and unrealistic expectations without proper guidance or support systems.
“We live in a world where many boys are neglected and are not told the truth about mental health and emotional struggles.
“A lot of young people are pressured in trying to impress others instead of discovering who they truly are.”
Ikegwuonu urged the students to embrace authenticity and avoid destructive peer pressure, stressing that true success begins with self-awareness and identity.
“Be yourself, real, and stay authentic. When you bend to peer pressure, you end up living someone else’s dream instead of your own.”
He cautioned the students against giving up during difficult moments, describing challenges as temporary stages that prepare individuals for greater achievements.
Also speaking, Dr Ibiene Nyanabo, stressed the need for equal attention to both boys and girls in family and national development, noting that society invests in girls more, leaving many boys without proper mentorship and moral guidance.
“If we train only the girls and ignore the boys, we will not achieve the kind of homes and society we desire.The boys of today are the husbands, fathers, and leaders of tomorrow.”
Nyanabo urged parents to pay closer attention to the upbringing of boys, warning that neglecting their emotional and moral development could have long-term consequences for society.
A volunteer with the foundation, Abiye Abere, said the intervention was timely because boys were rarely intentionally groomed.
“If we want a balanced society, then we must pay attention to both the girl child and the boy child.”
Also speaking, Sam Oku, the Head Boy of Government Science and Technical College, Garki, described the programme as impactful and inspiring.
Oku added that the programme would help students make better choices and become responsible citizens.
“This programme has shown us the qualities every leader should possess, including integrity, fairness, discipline, and truthfulness.
“With initiatives like this, Nigerian youths can become better leaders who will move the country forward.”
