The First Gentleman, Epaphras Ndaitwah has called on the boy child to take advantage of the opportunity offered to better their lives.

He made the call at the Boy Child Engagement at Nkurenkuru in the Kavango West Region.

Ndaitwah said the boy child had not received due attention, and many ended up engaging in unproductive activities.

The boy child engagement, therefore, aims to guide and mould them into responsible and purpose-driven young men.

“Our children, this country is liberated. It is free and independent, and these people made it happen. So, what are you doing to give back? You need to do something to repay their sacrifices, and the best way to do that is by studying hard and turning your dreams into reality. That is the greatest payment you can make. They would want to look at our children and say, ‘Our children are doing exceptionally well at your level.’ The group that came to perform here said that education is key. Others say that education is the greatest equaliser. Indeed, education is key. Today, we are living in a world of high and advanced technology, and this technology has been made possible by people who have gone to school, acquired knowledge, and understand exactly what is required to drive progress and development.”

Ndaitwah also touched on discipline, harmful substances and absent fathers.

During the 2025/2026 financial year, a total of 1,884 men and 2,479 boys were sensitised on issues of gender equality, sexual and reproductive health, HIV and AIDS.

Minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare Dr Emma Kantema gave an overview.

“Since 2022 the ministry has convened five national men's conferences on positive masculinity. We held the first one in Ongwediva, we held a men's conference in Keetmashoop, Ondangwa, in Rundu, and last year we had one in Katima Mulilo. The ministry has also intensified our sensitisation efforts across the country, and behind these numbers are lives that were touched, attitudes that were shaped and futures that were strengthened. The ministry also hosted boys' empowerment initiatives, to mention a few in Windhoek. Those sessions that we hosted in Windhoek aimed at affirming the worth of a boy child and creating a supportive environment where boys could speak openly, challenge stereotypes and embrace their full potential.”

Dr Kantema appreciated the First Generation's initiative, stating that this keeps the boy child engaged and empowered.

Kavango West is the sixth region the first gentleman visited so far.