​On Sunday, The Gauteng Department of Social Development in partnership with Scouts South Africa (SSA) launched the provincial Boy Child Project in celebration of International Day of the Boy Child which is celebrated on 16 May every year, to champion the interests of boys to be educated and be prepared to have a gender-equal world. This day also reminds us not to neglect a boy child.
The Provincial Boy Child Project aims to develop young boys to achieve their full potential as individuals and as responsible citizens.

This is in line with the department’s Men and Boys Programme, which is focused on investing in boys’ empowerment to reduce the rampant scourge of gender-based violence and moulding young boys into better men.

This partnership will benefit young boys across the province as it will provide mentorship for boy children on different issues such as behavioural change, emotional intelligence and spiritual upliftment.

Boys find it difficult to speak out against sexual abuse and exploitation because of stereotypical definitions of masculinity and deep-rooted homophobia.

MEC for Social Development Morakane Mosupyoe said she is pleased with this partnership as Scouts South Africa has a proven track record of programmes that instil discipline in young boys, who ultimately become agents of change in our society. MEC further said this will provide an ideal platform for the Department’s Boy Child Programme to realize its mission and vision.