At Dr. B.W. Vilakazi Secondary School in Soweto, 50 young men gathered on 29 March 2025 to be heard, seen, and empowered through Awqaf SA’s “What About The Boys” initiative, supported by the Adopt-a-School Foundation Social Welfare team.
These workshops were safe spaces for the boys to speak about anxiety, anger, dreams, and manhood in a fast-changing world. From mental health and substance abuse to leadership and robotics and Artificial intelligence, the boys engaged with mentors who saw potential in every one of them.
Additionally, there were segments devoted to sports mentorship, highlighting the role of physical activity in youth development.
These interactive discussions not only provided the attendees with valuable insights but also facilitated enriching learning opportunities for the Social Welfare team, enabling them to absorb new perspectives.
During the event, the Social Welfare team actively participated in meaningful conversations, focusing on the vital themes of youth development, mental health advocacy, and proactive substance abuse prevention. This immersive experience deepened their understanding of these pressing issues while they explored practical and innovative strategies to tackle them effectively.
Among the key takeaways from the initiative was a recognition of the critical importance of peer mentorship in addressing social challenges faced by young men.
The team also identified the tremendous value in integrating AI and robotics education into existing youth development programmes, paving the way for future-ready skills and opportunities for the boys involved. Overall, this experience was not only invaluable in shaping the upcoming initiatives aimed at empowering young people but also played a pivotal role in supporting their holistic growth, fostering a sense of community, and inspiring a new generation of leaders.
As one facilitator shared, “These boys don’t need fixing—they need affirming.” And that’s exactly what happened. We left with full hearts and renewed hope for the young men who will shape tomorrow.
