The key lesson young Seth Mentor took away from a recent boys’ leadership camp is to never give up.
“Never give up, keep on going, keep your head up, and focus on the thing until you get what you want,” he said during the camp held from 18 to 25 June at Farm Ongeyama, Okahandja.
The 19-year-old Mentor was part of a group of 43 boys aged between 13 and 21 who embarked on a journey of personal growth and development. A sizable number of them came from the Hope Village and Wadadi Village and many travelled from as far as Noordoewer in the //Kharas region as well as Erongo and Omaheke regions to be part of the camp. Organised by the School of Destiny Associates (SODA), the aim of the Boys Leadership Camp 2023 (BLC2023) was to instil essential leadership qualities, values, and skills, empowering the boys to positively impact their surroundings and carve a promising path for themselves.
Participants enjoyed a range of exciting activities, including game drives, cook-off competitions, and sport games, among other activities, which complemented the camp’s core objectives of character building and skills development.
At the heart of the camp were the mentors and role models, experienced leaders from diverse fields who shared their personal experiences, insights, and challenges faced along their leadership journeys and provided invaluable guidance on their paths to success. Their presence served as inspiration to the boys to aspire to leadership roles.
One of the organisers Meriam Mwanyangapo told Youth Corner the primary objective was to place strong emphasis on values such as discipline, choices, self-worth, accountability, teamwork, resilience, responsibility, and respect. “Through engaging group activities, problem-solving challenges, and interactions with dedicated coaches and mentors, the young boys were equipped with vital life skills and ethical principles,” she explained.
Mwanyangapo noted that the camp provided a transformative experience for participants, where they learned essential values and skills to become influential leaders, adding that they empower the boys to positively impact their communities and create a promising future for themselves.
One of the notable benefits gained by the camp attendees was the presentation of certificates, recognising their achievements and dedication throughout the programme.
These certificates can now be used by schools as credentials for when the boys are earmarked for leadership positions such as class captain. “Personally, these boys can now also assume leadership roles, firstly for themselves as well as at home,” explained SODA founder Sidney Boois.
The boys were also delighted to become members of SODA – established in 2018 – which is a platform that encourages ongoing engagement and personal growth. SODA is an associate programme which links up like-minded people, institutions and companies to assume roles in terms of providing mentoring, leadership and coaching, be it business coaching or life coaching, to young boys. Mwanyangapo further highlighted the first responders training provided by the MVA Fund enhanced the boys’ sense of responsibility and also equipped them with life-saving skills and knowledge, preparing them to make a difference during emergencies. Beyond practical skills, the camp offered invaluable networking opportunities for the boys. They had the chance to interact with like-minded peers, mentors, and professionals from diverse fields, fostering connections, exposure to different career paths, and broadening their horizons.
On top of this, cooperative activities and the shared experience of living together in a community setting fostered a sense of camaraderie among the attendees. Mwanyangapo acknowledged the commitment of the dedicated coaches, who ensured the safety and well-being of the campers. They maintained a watchful eye, enforcing safety rules and protocols, promoting good behaviour, and addressing any concerns or emergencies promptly. Their commitment created a safe and supportive environment for the boys to flourish.
In addition to focusing on leadership development, the BLC2023 prioritised addressing emotional challenges to promote mental well-being among the participants. The programme focused on emotional intelligence, coping mechanisms, stress management, and fostering healthy relationships.
The camp was made possible through sponsorships by MTC, Shoprite, Vivo Energy and several individuals.