Mariental: The 4x4 Initiative held a mentorship programme with around 50 male learners from Mariental over the weekend.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the founder of the initiative, Sidney Boois, explained that the programme kicked off with a camping session where participants had open conversations about the traits needed to become respectful men in society.

'We kicked off with a camping session around the fire. We had honest conversations about core values and character traits needed to become respectful men in society. Saturday morning, we joined the National Cleanup Campaign with the Mariental community that was spearheaded by the Office of the Hardap Governor to clean up informal settlements. This activity taught the young men the importance of taking responsibility for their environment, a key trait of leadership,' said Boois.

He added that the day continued with mentorship exercises and educational talks involving the Namibian Police and other stakeholders who spoke to the boys about topics including crime and making sensible decisions in life.

Among the highlights for the boys was a cookout competition where they prepared food in teams to foster teamwork and dispel the myth that cooking is exclusively a woman's domain. 'We used the cookout to assess teamwork, presentation and character, a real man knows how to contribute in every aspect of life, including the kitchen,' said Boois.

The event aimed to inspire, empower and guide boys on their journey to becoming responsible and purpose-driven men. In a speech read on his behalf, Hardap Governor Riaan McNab thanked the 4x4 Initiative for their outreach. 'I want to thank you for mentoring our young men, let today be the day you begin the journey from boys to men, choose not only to grow older but to grow wiser, from potential to purpose to strength, let's build a better Namibia, one boy, one man at a time.'

The 4x4 Initiative is a mentorship-focused organisation aiming to help boys and youth develop into confident leaders. Its mission is to instil core values, life skills, and a sense of purpose to equip young men to overcome challenges and reach their full potential.