At least 26 boys have successfully completed a two-week Boy Child Training Programme under the Wake Up Men and Take Responsibility Initiative, with organisers and community leaders calling it a critical step toward restoring values, responsibility and self-reliance among young boys.
The programme climaxed with an exhibition and pass-out ceremony held on Saturday, 20, 2025, where the trainees showcased a range of practical and leadership skills acquired during the intensive training period.
Designed to instill discipline, moral values and essential life skills, the initiative responds to growing social challenges facing the boy child, including school dropout, unemployment, substance abuse and lack of positive male mentorship.
During the exhibition and showcase session, the boys demonstrated skills and knowledge gained over the two weeks, including personal discipline, teamwork, communication, basic leadership principles, craftsmanship, painting and simple vocational activities.
The trainees presented handmade items such as door mats and offertory bags, while others explained lessons learnt on self-control, attitude change, respect, responsibility and positive masculinity. The exhibition drew parents, religious leaders and community members, many of whom expressed admiration for the confidence displayed by the boys.
Several trainees, speaking on behalf of their peers, said the training had transformed their thinking and behaviour, giving them confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.
Emmanuel Emor, who gained skills in painting, said before joining the programme he feared learning practical skills, believing they were difficult and beyond his ability. He noted that the skills he acquired would enable him to take on small projects during school holidays to earn some income to support his family and school needs.
“I have learnt that being a man entails a lot. It is about responsibility, respect and self-control. I want to become a good leader in my school and community,” Emor said.
He encouraged fellow young men to embrace vocational and hands-on skills as a way of preparing for the future rather than fearing practical work.
Another trainee, Emmanuel Odur, who learnt skills in liquid soap making, fence trimming and painting, said the training helped him understand the importance of discipline, time management and goal-setting.
“They taught us how to manage time, listen to elders and focus on our future. I now want to work hard in school and support my parents,” Odur said.
He added that young people need practical skills that can sustain their livelihoods, noting that relying solely on academic papers in the hope of securing white-collar jobs often leads to frustration.
Joshua Tim, a Primary Three pupil and the youngest participant in the cohort, said learning painting and doormat making came at the right time, especially as schools are closing for holidays.
He said the skills would help him avoid idleness during the holidays while earning some pocket money to support his next academic year.
Joshua also said the soft skills training, particularly in public speaking, had boosted his confidence and ability to interact with trainers and fellow boys, helping him overcome fear and low self-esteem.
“I was shy and afraid to speak. Now I can stand before people and talk. I believe I can become a responsible man,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the training team, the Team Leader, Ambrose Obar, said the programme was designed to reshape mindsets and restore values among boys at an early age.
“Our focus was not just discipline, but helping boys understand who they are, what society expects of them and how they can positively contribute. Responsibility starts with small actions,” Obar said.
He explained that the two-week programme combined mentorship sessions, practical activities, counselling, teamwork exercises and spiritual guidance to ensure holistic development.
Obar noted that the organisation plans to expand the programme to reach more boys, depending on community support and partnerships.
“We have started with 26 boys, but the need is much bigger. We call upon well-wishers, religious institutions and local leaders to support this cause,” he said.
In his address, Pastor Johnson Ogema, the overseer of Victory Outreach Ministries in Lira challenged men in the community to take responsibility for mentoring boys, warning against leaving the task of upbringing solely to mothers.
He emphasised the importance of empowering the boy child as a way of reducing unemployment, school dropout and other social challenges.
“A boy needs guidance from men who live responsibly. When men are absent, boys grow up confused about their identity and role,” Ogema said.
He encouraged the trainees to understand what it truly means to be a man, how men are expected to live, and to know their purpose in life. He urged them to practise what they had learnt, reminding them that true character is tested outside the training environment.
He further stressed the importance of self-reliance, calling on the boys to avoid dependency and instead use their skills and values to become productive members of society.
Chief guest applauds the initiative
The Chief Guest, Pastor Peter Acanga of Victory Outreach Ministries, officially passed out the trainees and commended the organisers for prioritising the boy child, describing the programme as timely and impactful.
He applauded Rev. Johnson Ogema for being a strong vision bearer and for championing a cause that addresses real challenges affecting boys.
Pastor Acanga said he was encouraged to see young boys being equipped with practical skills under the Wake Up Men and Take Responsibility theme, noting that such initiatives promote action-oriented thinking and wealth creation.
“This training is addressing a real gap in our society. We talk about crime, drug abuse and school dropout, but we forget that prevention starts with early guidance,” Acanga said.
He urged parents and guardians to continue supporting the boys, cautioning that training without follow-up could easily be undone by negative influences.
“Let us not abandon these boys after today. Monitor them, guide them and encourage them to practise what they have learnt,” he said.
Pastor Acanga appreciated the programme directors for their commitment to instilling skills and values among the boy child and called on the trainees to live with purpose, make good choices and embrace positive attitude change.
He encouraged the boys to maintain a desire to learn and grow, noting that transformation begins with mindset change and personal commitment to responsibility.
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