Siyajula Arise and Shine group held a successful Edutainment Family Fun Day walk at Ziba Park, Bahamas in Kwa-Thema on May 9.
The event was made possible through partnerships with Ziba Parks, local donors, members’ contributions and family support.
A total of about 78 participants attended the event. Thoko Mbatha, chairperson of Siyajula, explained the purpose behind the initiative.
“We feel the boy child has over the years been pushed to the margin, stigmatised and underdeveloped.
“A boy child is either sitting at a street corner, jailed or alive with no life prospects. This is due to family and social neglect,” said Mbatha.
“On the other hand, girls are now successful with careers, proper family planning options, education opportunities and are supported throughout their lives, but only to get partners or husbands ill-equipped or untrained to deal with modern life challenges.”
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Mbatha said this incompatibility often results in short-lived partnerships or marriages and poor decision-making.
He added that, after reflection, the organisation felt that together with parents and the community, action was needed to encourage balanced parental love and care, whether from both parents or a single parent.
“The boy child has to be raised with a sense of responsibility and be coached on how to dream better and build his own legacy.
“It takes a village to raise a child, and this is no exception.
“This goes along with the phrase ‘Your child is my child’, meaning we are parents to any child in our neighbourhood,” he added.
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Mbatha emphasised the need to involve social workers, educators and community members in restoring respect for adults and strengthening neighbourhood watch structures.
While the organisation focuses on remembering fallen and living heroes and legends, it also aims to promote a culture of responsible parenting and child-rearing.
The event formed part of its broader mission to support the development and protection of boy children.
It aimed to promote healthy living and provide support to parents and boys affected by peer pressure, poor planning, financial stress, and limited access to education.
“We expected more than 100 participants, but only 78 turned up,” he added.
The day included games and prizes, with three guest speakers sharing insights on the importance of raising boys. Parents expressed gratitude for the event and its impact on the community.
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