The Global Shapers Windhoek hub is on a quest to tackle challenges that Namibian boys are facing in underserved communities in the capital city.

They recently embarked on a mentorship programme to support high school boys through guided conversations on identity, healthy masculinity, emotional well-being, and physical health, empowering them to grow into responsible and self-aware young men.

“We implemented this mentorship programme for schoolboys from the Jakob Marenga and Khomastura Secondary Schools, and the idea was to take boys from the Katutura area and share with them various information as well as to try and improve their way of thinking on various topics,” said coordinator, Gerold Dreyer.

He stated that the objective of the programme is holistic health, be it emotional, mental, physical, and also spiritual.

Dreyer believes that these are some of the issues that must be addressed for the boys to not only do better as young men but also contribute largely as citizens of the country in the future. During one of the sessions, the facilitator of the sessions, Mathews Kambuze, recalled one of the participants giving feedback of how his life had changed because of the impact of the programme.

“He came and shared how he has gained confidence in speaking and presenting and carrying himself and how to dress and look decent. And for me, it’s these little things that show there is impact and change being made behind the scenes,” shared Kambuze.

One of the participants said when he came to the sessions, he had no idea of how men should act and express themselves and respect other human beings.

“Personally, I had no care or worry about anything; I was nonchalant about a lot of things. I came here because the school wanted to suspend me. I have no started talking back less to my mother and have started respecting her,” said the teen.

They shared that they had also started basic atiquette such as pulling up his pants and dressing decent and highlight recommends boys being part of such programmes.

“These programmes are important because they help in any situation that the boy child may be going through,” he stated.

Global Shapers Windhoek Hub is a voluntary community of young, dynamic individuals who are making an impact in their surrounding society. It brings together young people who are willing to share their time and efforts freely on social projects to enhance and brighten the lives of the communities in and around Windhoek. It focuses on projects that will have a sustainable impact. 

Formed out of the World Economic Forum, the Global Shapers Community is a network of inspiring young people under the age of 30 working together to address local, regional, and global challenges. With more than 13 000 members, the Global Shapers Community spans 430 city-based hubs in 150 countries.