Moulding boys into responsible men
The Moulding Programme is aimed at shaping responsible, emotionally aware young men and is designed to encourage self-expression and healthy conflict resolution tactics.
The Moulding Programme is an awareness initiative founded and coordinated by Ella Du Plessis's head girl, Christine Festus.It aims to mould boys from a young age on how to avoid violence, how to express themselves and to know that 'It's okay not to be okay', helping them to grow into responsible adults.
The 21st century has been a bustling era for women's rights; however, amidst all this progress, the boy child has been left behind, according to the president of the programme, who emphasised this as the reason she is so passionate about running the programme.
The programme, conducted in a series of workshops that take place four times a month during the academic year at Ella Du Plessis and other schools in Windhoek, involves experienced facilitators leading engaging sessions. These sessions combine discussions, activities and guest speakers to provide a comprehensive learning experience.
Festus said the programme is targeted at boys from a young age, emphasising that values and a sense of character can be effectively instilled in young minds through teaching, explaining, and demonstrating, allowing them to maintain these principles as they grow.
The training sessions focus on encouraging boys to express themselves confidently and provide tools and strategies to help them navigate conflicts peacefully. The programme aims to redefine traditional perceptions of masculinity, which Festus sees as crucial for emotional intelligence, contributing to a safer and more harmonious society.
"By doing so, we aspire to help boys become well-rounded individuals, as through interactive workshops we address the root causes of violence and equip boys with effective ways to manage their emotions, thus reducing the likelihood of resorting to aggressive behaviour," Festus said.