Online Reporter
Takunda Gambiza
Herald Reporter
The Salvation Army Glen View Citadel has launched the International Day of the Boy Child, imploring families and communities to confront drug abuse, neglect and lack of mentorship facing young men.
The event launched on Sunday and themed: “The Unstoppable Generation: Forging Stewards, Fathers and Leaders from the Child of Today”, brought together church leaders, youth groups and congregants for prayer, testimonies and advocacy.
Corps Officer Major Joseph Nyamuzihwa said the church was concerned about the growing number of boys trapped in substance abuse and idleness.
“The life of a boy child is at stake with the coming in of drug and substance abuse,” Maj Nyamuzihwa said.
“Today we have launched a forging mandate to change the life of the boy child because they are the stewards of the nation, the fathers and leaders of tomorrow,” he said.
Retired Lieutenant Colonel Juliet Nyakutsamwa, stressed that families risk collapse if boys continue to be overlooked in upbringing.
“We have been nurturing girl children for a long time, but boy children have been left behind. Children grow up knowing what their mothers teach them, but they do not know how the father figure should behave,” she said.
Glen View Citadel Salvation Army band member, Mr Kudakwashe Tungwe, said while the boy child has been suffering, there is still hope.
“There is a general belief that the boy child should be strong and is not supposed to cry, but deep down they are facing a lot of problems,” said Mr Tungwe.
“People have put much effort into advocating for the girl child and some of the times the boy child is being left behind.
“We are happy that our church leaders have thought of us and have put effort into advocating for us, as this will ensure we have a bright future.”
Mr Elvis Nyamuchengwa, a member of the youth executive board, said the boy child is suffering in silence and in dealing with the stress and at times ends up resorting to drugs.
“Some people may not say anything, but the boy child is being abused and some end up resorting to drugs to relieve stress,” said Maj Nyamuchengwa.
Colonel Juliet Nyakutsamwa said the annual observance will continue to promote mentorship and balance in child development, ensuring boys are equipped with values of responsibility, leadership and family stewardship.
