Boys Club launches 'Drop-a-Pad' project
Tackling GBV head-on
The initiative underscores a concerted effort to empower boys to understand what girls are going through and create a supportive environment within schools.
The launch of the Windhoek Technical High School (HTS) Boys Club's innovative 'Drop-a-Pad' project took place on Friday, 12 April. Khomastura High School and Academia Secondary School learners joined HTS in the campaign, as well as School of Destiny Associates (SODA) Consultancy and the B.O.S.S Riders Club. This initiative aims to foster character development among young boys and tackle gender-based violence (GBV) head-on. “As a community, we should always support each other, participate in awareness programmes and have partnership with one another,” Sidney Boois said on behalf of SODA Consultancy.
The Boys Club initiative is part of SODA Consultancy's iChoose leadership values programme, designed to facilitate character-building programmes in schools. Through peer talks led by trained facilitators, boys engage in discussions centered on essential values like responsibility and choices. The programme seeks to address bullying on school grounds and counter GBV, aligning with the Life Skills curriculum.
The partnership between SODA Consultancy, Break Free Campaign, the United Nations Population Fund, the Namibian Planned Family Association and the ministry of gender equality, poverty eradication and social welfare underscores a concerted effort to empower boys to understand what girls are going through and create a supportive environment within schools.
Promoting empathy and support
Central to the launch is the introduction of the 'We Care' project, which includes the implementation of a sanitary pad drop box, managed by the Boys Club. This initiative not only aims to provide essential menstrual hygiene products, but also promotes empathy and support among male learners by encouraging boys to collect or purchase sanitary pads for their sisters.
The main focus of this campaign is physical and mental health awareness. Since many issues originate from ignorance, it is important to spread awareness in young boys about the hygiene needs of girls so that they can be informed of what happens during menstruation. This allows them to help their family members and loved ones when they need it, and helps makes boys feel comfortable to buy them to help others.
Another aspect of this event was to spread awareness on the need for these sanitation products, especially for those who cannot afford them. They are essential to the physical well-being of girls who sometimes do not have access to these products.
The event started with a procession from a police station all the way to HTS, and sanitary products were picked up along the way. Miss Teen Universe Africa 2023, Innocentia Mukubi, made an appearance at the event and a keynote speech was given by Diana Andimba, Miss Earth Namibia 2022.
The 'We Care' project has already been implemented in 11 high schools in Windhoek and in other regions, including //Karas and Oshikoto, demonstrating its scalability and impact. By fostering a culture of empathy and inclusivity, the Boys Club and Drop-a-Pad project can pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all learners at HTS.