Following a two-week empowerment programme, a group of about 60 young men graduated from the Young Men and Boys programme held at Khanyisa Centre in Philippi.
The graduation happened on Saturday 26 November.
During the two-week training, young and older men learned vital life lessons on how to handle certain life challenges. The training was organised by the Rev MS Lugongolo Foundation together with the #NoExcuse campaign. The aim was also to empower them with knowledge and encourage them to focus on their studies.
Mawande Lugongolo, the founder of the foundation, described the programme as one of a kind. He stated that they are preparing young men to be the leaders of tomorrow.
The training followed a resolution taken during the Men’s Imbizo in Philippi, two weeks ago.
“We had sessions with young men and boys (between the ages of 16 to 18) from Cyril Ramaphosa informal settlement, Woodby (both in Philippi) and Crossroad, where we talked about the importance of education, behaviour and brotherhood. We wanted them to focus on their studies and stop substance abuse and gangsterism,” said Lugongolo. The sessions were from Monday 14 November till Friday 25 November. The classes started at 17:00 and continued until 19:00 on weekdays.
Lugongolo said they decided to close off the year by hosting the graduation.
“We are closing for the year. Next year we will take another group. But we will continue with this current group even next year as we are planning to form a support groups system where we are planning to develop leaders and create other facilitators from these groups,” he explained.
One of those attending, Luyanda Mooi (17) from Crossroads, described the programme as informative. He said he learned a lot about how to behave as a young man.
“It kept us busy. We didn’t have time to roam the streets. Also, we were encouraged to focus on our books and listen to our elders,” said Mooi.
