As part of commemorating International Day of a Boy Child, the Gauteng Department of Social Development Men's Forum (DSDMF) in partnership with ScoutSA on Sunday, hosted schoolboys from West Rand and surrounding areas at the Gilwell Scouting Centre in Florida, West of Johannesburg.
The aim of hosting the boys was among others to mentor boy children on different issues such as behavioral change, emotional intelligence and spiritual upliftment.
Addressing the youngsters Gauteng Social Development Chief Director Bongani Ngomane said, "We are here to celebrate you as young boys, we want to support you. We believe in you and we hope that being part of the scouts programmes will teach you discipline and respect". 
Ngomane added that this initiative forms part of a programme to respond to the number of social ills that has engulfed our society.
"If you look at the increasing number of gender-based violence in our communities it is alarming, and we hope that our approach to engage these boys at their tender age will make a difference" he added.
Gauteng ScoutsSA Commissioner, Angus Hay, said they are pleased to be allowed to play a role in the lives of young adolescent boys in the province. The organization is looking forward to working with the Gauteng Social Development Men's Forum to mentor the boys and would be happy if girls are also involved in the process.
"We are excited, and we are looking forward to work with boys all over the province. We hope this will bring change that we envisage, and we hope it will create an ideal boy for the future".
13-year-old, Diketso Mathe, from Thuto Lefa Secondary School in Krugersdorp said he is excited to be part of the scout's activities and is looking forward to learning more from the programme.
Men's Forum, Deputy Chairman, Bongani Makhanya said as "Men's sector we are fully behind the initiative and hope to influence social behavioral change. In looking at men's issues and the program of young boys like this is one, it's vital that we are be able to engage with these young lads at their tender age, knowing their challenges and problems. We will also have an opportunity to teach them how to become a good man
in society".
Makhanya added that for the longest time focus was given to young adolescent girls and women forgetting that a boy child also needs to be supported and moulded.
"We are fully behind this programme it will be preventative and not responding because there is a problem. We must be directly involved in the lives of these young adolescent boys as they are future leaders and husbands".