Rundu: The First Gentleman of Namibia, Lieutenant-General (Retired) Epaphras Ndaitwah, has announced that his office is working on a national programme aimed at supporting and empowering the boy child.According to Namibia Press Agency, Ndaitwah shared these plans during an engagement with boys and young men from various backgrounds in Rundu on Wednesday. The focus of the event was on addressing the challenges impacting their education, wellbeing, personal development, and future prospects.Ndaitwah outlined that the proposed programme will involve measures to decrease school dropouts, enhance academic performance and retention, and offer mentorship and leadership development opportunities for boys. He emphasized that equitable investment in both boys and girls is crucial for balanced national development in Namibia.Ndaitwah expressed concern over the declining academic performance of boys in schools and higher education institutions, pointing out that many boys are lagging behind their female counterpart s. Citing graduation statistics from the University of Namibia, he noted that women constitute 64 percent of graduates, compared to only 35 percent for men, describing this disparity as a wake-up call for young men to prioritize their education.He clarified that the goal is not to compete with girls, but to ensure that boys also achieve academic success, thereby restoring balance in educational outcomes. Kavango East Region Governor Hamunyera Hambyuka also encouraged boys and young men to adopt leadership, discipline, and positive values while contributing to Namibia's development.