For many young boys, growing into manhood can come with questions, pressure and uncertainty.
But through the 4X4 initiative, 50 boys are being given a space to reflect, learn and build the value they need for the future.
This marks the 7th Boys Leadership Camp, with the 10-day programme focusing on character-building values such as responsibility, discipline, courage and kindness.
The initiative, established in 2023, has so far reached about 250 boys.
Each day begins with a value that guides the activities, from team-building exercises to personal reflection and campfire discussions.
The boys are also encouraged to learn practical life skills, including cooking, while strengthening their relationships with God.
During the camp, the boys also donated sanitary pads through the 'drop a pad' campaign.
The founder of the organisation, Sidney Boois, said it was established to ensure that the boy child is not left behind but supported to grow into a responsible and purposeful man.
"When we look at men, there's just that narrative that they are rough and that they are heartless. But we can tell you that over 20 schools in Namibia have established the Boys Leadership Clubs, and these Boys Leadership Clubs have also initiated the Drop a Sanitary Pad campaign. And today, we are also these boys; each one of them who is here has brought sanitary pets from home. Just to showcase, during the month of women internationally, which is the month of August, they brought seeds that they want to sow in the lives of the girl child in Namibia."
On behalf of the minister of Gender Equality and Child Welfare, Emma Kantema, Development Planner in the Ministry of Ndinomukulili Lomboleni, commended the 4 by 4 initiative for ensuring that a boy child is catered to and extending a hand with a girl child by donating sanitary pads.
"During this camp we address the challenges faced by boys. We learned about leadership, personal accountability, practical skills development, survival and teamwork. But true leadership is not just about building ourselves up. It is about standing up for those around us. It is about standing out for our mothers and sisters. So, you can sit down. Today we are witnessing the activation of the Drop Epid initiative to support women. The month recognises the challenges of the girls."
Participants Alentino Mahua and Prosper Chirimo described the camp as educational, inspiring and life-changing.
"My experience has really been like life-changing. This camp is very life-changing. It teaches a person like the fundamentals of everything. Like, I really didn't realise that I have to grow my relationship with God."
"I would say that there is respect and discipline. We need discipline in this world to find our purpose. So I will take with me the respect and discipline."