The School of Nursing on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus, in collaboration with the Department of Education and Sports Development, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and the Department of Social Development, recently conducted Boys’ Manhood Dialogues in the North West Province.

The dialogues, hosted in the Ngaka Modiri Molema, Dr Kenneth Kaunda and Bojanala districts, were aimed at equipping male learners with life skills such as self-knowledge, self-identity, focus, and decision-making skills.

These dialogues specifically focused on Grade 10 learners with a history of behavioural problems, as well as those in leadership positions such as members of learner representative councils, and community and faith-based organisations.

“The dialogues enabled these young men to share their experiences, pointing out to them the importance of self-reflection and self-discipline, and creating a strong sense of camaraderie and future networks they can rely on,” says Boitumelo Molato from the School of Nursing.

“They were encouraged to share their experiences on common deviant behaviour endemic to boys, the consequences thereof, and which skills are necessary to avoid such behaviour.”

During the dialogues various topics were discussed. Dr Molekodi Matsipane, director of the School of Nursing, spoke about early fatherhood and the disadvantages thereof, encouraging them to first focus on their studies.

Prof Salaminah Moloko-Phiri and Sunshine Zenani discussed various strategies on changing your mindset. In turn, Dr Edith Bam and Grace Baakeleng cautioned the boys against teenage pregnancy and pointed out the consequences thereof. 

Tabea Motsilanyane discussed how to build emotional intelligence, and finally Boitumelo spoke about HIV/Aids and encouraged the learners to undergo medical male circumcision to reduce their chances of contracting HIV/Aids. 

 To round off the dialogues, Mr Mabale from the SAPS talked about the determinants of violence and criminal behaviour among school learners.

Dorah Brander from the Department of Education and Sport Development acknowledged the commitment displayed by the School of Nursing and commended the partnership for yielding positive outcomes.  

Various staff members from the School of Nursing participated in the dialogues. Here are from left Grace Baakeleng, Sunshine Zenani, Tabea Motsilenyane, Dr Molekodi Mtsipane, Prof Salaminah Moloko-Phiri, Boitumelo Molato, Dr Edith Bam and Prof Leepile Sehularo.