Monika Amunyela
More than 60 boys between the ages of 10 and 18 gathered at Ongeama Farm in Okahandja on Tuesday, 5 May 2026, for the opening ceremony of the 4X4 Initiative Foundation’s sixth Boys Leadership Camp.
The mentorship and youth empowerment programme is aimed at shaping responsible young men through leadership training, counselling, skills development and life coaching.
The camp, organised by the 4X4 Initiative Foundation, forms part of the organisation’s mission to empower boys and young men through development, wellness and vocational training. The programme was established in 2020, and has since impacted thousands of young people across Namibia.
Founder Sidney Boois said the organisation has already seen measurable progress among participants over the years.
“We measure progress and not perfection. Some boys who joined in 2023 and returned in 2026 described how their behaviour changed and how their priorities aligned through the camp,” said Boois.
She said the programme has reached over 5 000 boys through ‘Boys 2 Men’ events and established more than 20 Boys Leadership Clubs at high schools across the country.
He added that several participants have progressed academically, while others have gained vocational skills such as barbering and leadership experience within the programme.
“We have established a 4×4 Initiative Foundation soccer team since 2024 as part of the life coaching and mentorship programme, and the team continues to perform well in the social league,” he said.
One of the camp’s participants, Ernst Doeseb, shared how the camp changed his perspective on life and decision-making.
“The best lesson that I have learned during the camp is that no matter how rough your life is today, it can always get better, but it all lies within your hands. Rough today – radiant tomorrow,” he said.
Doeseb said the camp taught him the importance of discipline and commitment, learning to do tasks with energy and determination.
Despite the programme’s achievements, Boois said funding and limited government support remain major challenges.
“Sustainable funding to ensure consistency in delivery of the programme is one of our biggest challenges,” he said.