INCLUSIVE UPBRINGING: “Which of you know how many people were at the community market yesterday?.” Pa Wazobia had asked the eager village children like he always did before beginning the night’s Moonlight story.
The question as expected always gives the younger villagers tough but thoughtful and inspiring times, hence they started ransacking their tender brains for answers.
As with the cloudy sky, to be followed by a suspenseful soothing calmness just before the tap, tap, tap drip of raindrops, the children’s brief silence birthed exciting banters of responses citing huge figures of each speaker’s perceived numbers of the possible individuals at the village most patronized market.
“The people at the market yesterday, were only but TWO, i.e., Males and Femalessimplified to your age bracket, boys and girls!.” Baba had said with a tone of finality bringing to an end the frenzy unfolding before him.
The above scenario happened some fifteen years and some months ago but resonates with me each time matters concerning advocacy for equality come up. Like, maybe, if we all normalize the inclusiveness of both genders in all matters, the society will be in better, improved and secure hands.
It is saddening to know that in almost every conversation about child welfare and development, focus tends to be solely placed on the girls. However, it’s equally essential to give due attention to the well-being and growth of the boys as well.
Understanding our world and epoch as one and time where traditional notions of masculinity are being challenged, it’s very crucial to support and guide young boys towards becoming responsible, assertive, empathetic, and well-rounded individuals.
Let’s remember the popular adage, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” until we have done our very best to guide the boy child today, posterity shall hold us to account on the kind of men the dawn of tomorrow shall meet.
First of, on the way to go, working on the lines of communication with the boy child is one superb step towards making the boy child a friend and functional member of the family, society and the world at large. Giving him listening ears, leaning shoulders, and inspiring/reassuring words among others are effective life boosters needed not only for his mental wellness but for his sociability as he grows older.
The education of the boy child should be as prioritised as that of the girl child, with wholesome mentoring emphasizing all that is needed to make him both learned, cultured, inspired and empowered. This should in no way leave out essential aspects like knowing how to care for self and others, hygiene, fitness, having sound knowledge of own worth, viable skills, and access to positive personalities as role models, among others.
It should be of worthy note to include the personal, social, psychological, and other needs of the boy child among items on the family and national budgetary template, the boy child is not a man already who will be led on the belief to always figure things out for himself.
By actively looking out for the boy child and providing them with the necessary support and guidance, we can help them navigate the complexities of childhood and adolescence with confidence and resilience.
Doing the above and more would benefit not only the boy child but society as a whole. Therefore, let us become intentional in nurturing tomorrow’s men with care and intention today.
You can take a cue of inspiration from The Adams Project Africa or partner and or contribute to its laudable initiatives towards the development of the Boy Child especially as its Teams across Africa prepare to mark the year’s International Day of the Boy Child on 16th of May, this month remarkably.
Superbly superb bro
This is indeed a powerful script, I could make a presentation with this on a prize giving Day and any other gathering of parents and teachers.
Funny enough the girls always look up to this boys to lead, guide and protect them be it as siblings in the family or partners in relationships, in whatever capacity they find themselves, the big question is, have the boys been taught how to discharge these duties???? If much will be expected from them then it is only right that much should be given to them.
Especially in a Country like Nigeria, this is very Vital.