#SebenzaBoy: Foundation seeks to empower boy child

THE month of June is dedicated to men’s mental health awareness and June 10-16 is International Men’s Health Week.

In tandem with that, two creatives in Bulawayo have teamed up to establish “Sebenza Boy,” a non-governmental organisation focused on empowering young boys.

The brains behind this laudable effort are Sangelo Donga, a graphic designer and the founder of Urban Moon and Ishmael Ncube, the visionary behind the Kasivage clothing label.

Launched this year, Sebenza Boy is on a mission to make a tangible difference in the lives of rural boys by providing them with essential school shoes, among other things.

Ncube, the co-founder, expressed the inspiration behind the project, stating, “We know how it is growing up with nothing, especially in this weather.

Imagine barefooted boys going to school. We sat down and thought of a way to help these boys by giving them something with long-term impact.”

He said these words at a men’s health and wellness indaba held at Sterling Hotel on Friday where men from diverse backgrounds discussed mental health issues under the banner, “Navigation through speaking up: Ukuvuleka.”

The round table curated by Junior Chamber International Bulawayo in conjunction with Blessing Foundation, Sebenza Boy, Urban Moon and Rugare Medical spotlighted the need for men to be forthcoming with their feelings, shunning toxic masculinity, which subscribes to the “Indoda kayikhali” notion.

These discussions were spearheaded by Acaja Chillspot proprietor, Abednico Dube, Dumisani Ndlovu from Contact Centre, as well as Blessing Lulwama Masola from Blessing Foundation.

Ncube’s words resonate deeply, as Sebenza Boy recognises the challenges faced by underprivileged boys, who often lack access to basic necessities.

“We call out to all companies and everyone who would want to help us raise these 200 pairs for these boys. Everything is now about the girl child, but what about our boys?” Ncube passionately added.

The team at Sebenza Boy has outlined an ambitious year-long plan to achieve their goal of donating 200 pairs of school shoes.

“Our year plan is to push this campaign to raise the 200 pairs for the boy child, and we’ll continue to work with Pusheka Girl on donating pads to our daughters. We’re not competing, but we’re building a community where we’ll raise our sons well, so we don’t have to protect our daughters.”

In addition to the shoe donation drive, Sebenza Boy also has a strong focus on mental health.

The organisation will continue to host mental health sessions on the “Round Table” with the JCI and in August, they will organise a special “Me and

My Pops” event, where they will teach boys how to become “kings” and draw a clear line between masculinity and toxic masculinity.

—@MbuleloMpofu