From Boys to Men

In November 2008 I was invited by South African Men's Action Group (SAMAG) in Mafikeng, North West Province. This organization, under the skilful leadership of Governor Jabu oa-Afrika focuses on services related to HIV/AIDS, gender based violence, counselling, mentorship and peer-education. SAMAG specifically seeks to develop a forum where men's issues are dealth with in a genuine and solution-oriented way.

I was invited to coordinate their first Young Men's Camp, which was held in Rustenburg with 16 young men who had invited their Father Figures (male role models) along. During the three days program, participants worked from morning until late evening on issues of self understanding, boyhood vs manhood, fatherhood, violence, family, Afrikan history, sexuality and relationships. Several of the father figures shared some lessons from how they had dealt with past problems such as crime, rape, gang violence and abuse.

All the young men agreed that their ideal MAN is one who is responsible, family oriented, trustworthy, respectful and faithful. By admittance, most participants agreed that they had not necissarily spent much time in their life with men who fit this description. My task was to open their minds up to Understanding of Self and realizing that they can make choices to master Self, even in desperate situations.

The most striking element in the camp was that there was such diversity in personalities and characters, and, yet they managed to work together harmoniously and constructively. An atmosphere of trust, openness and honesty was soon established and there was ample room for fun, seriousness, learning and engaging. The Father Figures played a very important part in giving their "sons" encouragement and support. The program will continue for the next four months and I can't wait to see the results.