A relatively new initiative is targeting to turn Namibian boys into productive and caring members of society.
The programme, called the 4×4 Initiative, recognizes and deals with the myriad of challenges boys face on a daily basis by offering camps where they are taught how to become leaders and how to constructively contribute to the development of their respective communities.
The next camp is scheduled for Swakopmund later this year.
Now, JAC Motors Namibia, part of the M&Z Motors stable, has come on board to support 4×4 Initiative with a double cab JAC bakkie to help them fulfil their needs.
The initiative was founded in 2023 by local motivational speaker, coach and trainer, Sidney Boois, who said the idea came to him as he saw the increasing number of challenges boys have to deal with. These challenges include substance abuse, gender-based violence, high rates if suicide and single parent households.
Speaking to Woema about the programme, one of the main drivers, Ismael Ashipembe, also known as Coach Kudana, said part of the success achieved with the boys is by front loading all activities with values.
“The 4×4 Initiative’s flagship programme is based on a farm outside Okahandja where staff focus on instilling mental, spiritual and physical health in the boys. We also teach them valuable life skills such as entrepreneurship, agriculture and how to work with their hands”, said Ashipembe.
Other well-known endeavours for the initiative include an annual soccer tournament as well as volunteering for various communities in need.
He explained that programme participants, usually aged between 12 and 20, are identified via social media platforms.
“We have been focusing on empowering the girl child for so long that the boy child has unfortunately been left behind. Through this programme we hope to bring some balance to the equation,” said Ashipembe, adding: “Once you teach young boys how to lead, you turn them into productive young men”.
Thus far the initiative has enrolled 160 boys, who each pay a fee to participate in the camps and activities.
Ashipembe explained that the 4×4 name of the initiative is an analogy for boys supporting boys. “The name basically means that when there are four men supporting four more men, then we are unstoppable,” Ashipembe explained.
He continued that the initiative will soon host a gala dinner to garner more national support for the initiative.
Meanwhile, JAC Motors Namibia has been supporting the 4×4 Initiative since 2023. “There is a direct connection between the values of the initiative and the values we embody here at JAC Motors Namibia. We believe boys are nothing without their tools and our bakkies are some of the best tools out there,” said JAC Namibia sales manager, Karl Heinz Eisenberg.
Mewnwhile, JAC Motors continues to increase its domestic presence as its various derivatives are making significant inroads into the hearts and minds of local consumers.
JAC Motors recently extended the service intervals of the T9 and T8 line-ups, featuring 2.0L turbo-diesel engines. This extension aims to enhance customer convenience, and elevate the overall ownership experience.
JAC Motors’ dealer network currently covers more than 70 locations across southern Africa, including Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Eswatini, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Mozambique. This extensive reach ensures the brand’s after-sales service meets global brand standards.