Until recently, the campaign for the boy child had not received the global attention it deserves. However, growing efforts are now being made to extend genuine care and support to boys in need. Many within our communities feel that the boy child has long been forgotten, neglected, and underserved. This neglect may be a contributing factor to the many challenges facing families and society at large.
To address this imbalance in the gender equality agenda, May 16 has been designated as the World Day of the Boy Child. The goal is to focus on the holistic well-being of boys, ensuring they are empowered to reach their full potential and lead meaningful, responsible lives.
Background
In 2018, Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, a prominent men’s rights advocate, championed the observance of the World Day of the Boy Child on May 16. This followed his earlier initiatives, including the establishment of International Men’s Day on November 19 (1999) and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Men and Boys on January 31 (2022). His advocacy seeks to end violence against males, highlight their challenges, and give voice to those suffering in silence.
The Real Boy Child Issue
The early 2000s saw a strong global focus on empowering the girl child – ensuring she had access to education, healthcare, and equal opportunities. This campaign has yielded significant results, as seen in improved enrollment rates, educational achievements, employment opportunities, leadership roles, and social recognition for girls.
While we celebrate these gains, it has become evident that the boy child has been largely excluded from the gender equality conversation. The attention has disproportionately favoured girls, inadvertently creating the impression that boys are less important. This imbalance has sparked calls to recognise the equal importance of both genders in building a healthy, functional society.
It is time to shift our focus to the child – regardless of gender – and ensure that resources and support are equitably distributed. We must avoid creating a perception that the boy child is being weakened or left behind.
Dr. Teelucksingh has expressed concern over rising rates of self-harm, school dropouts, substance abuse, and involvement in criminal or extremist activities among boys. He attributes these issues to a society that has become “cold, uncaring, and fast-paced.” He calls for a vigorous campaign to empower boys and prevent them from becoming powerless or vulnerable. We cannot afford to stand by while boys turn to crime, alcoholism, or drugs as a means of escape.
Today, more than ever, boys are experiencing physical and emotional abuse in homes and schools. A 2022 study by the Child Health and Development Centre (CHDC) on the prevention of violence against children and women revealed, surprisingly, that boys were more frequently maltreated by parents than girls.
The Man in Your Boy’s Life
As the saying goes, “Boys will be boys unless we train them to be men.” Every boy needs a positive male role model to guide him through life. Mentorship and fatherly influence are crucial in shaping a boy into a responsible man.
Rebekah Hargraves notes that many societal issues, such as gender identity confusion, substance abuse, and other behavioural challenges often stem from the absence of a father’s positive influence. She emphasises that a strong father-child relationship can prevent a child from going down a dark path.
Carlos Santiago, a family life coach, outlines key values that the man in a boy’s life should instill:
- Fear of God (Proverbs 9:10)
- Emotional control (Ephesians 4:26–27)
- Respect for authority (Romans 13:1)
- Personal responsibility (Galatians 6:5)
- Service to others (1 Peter 4:10)
- Honour for women (1 Peter 3:7)
- A mindset for spiritual and moral battle (Psalm 144:1)
Modeling the Boy Child in Church
Every child needs a man in their life; someone they can look up to as they grow. They need mentors and role models to guide them through life. Parents and family provide the best environment for a child’s development. A family anchored in the Christian principle of faith is expected to lead the way, serving as the bedrock for the sound moral upbringing of children.
The family is the child’s first point of contact and the primary agent of socialisation. Therefore, it has a duty to instill the right moral values. The Bible instructs parents to teach their children (Deuteronomy 6:6–9) and commands children to obey and honour their parents (Ephesians 6:1–3). This is the blueprint for modeling a child in the Christian faith. It highlights the family as the foundational unit for evangelism and discipleship.
The church, as a spiritual family, also plays a vital role in the upbringing of children. It is responsible for supporting the development of the boy child, raising godly boys who will grow into godly men. The Children’s Ministry is the starting point for this mission. Every child needs a personal relationship with Jesus, and the Children’s Ministry provides a strong platform for discipleship. For this reason, it should be well-resourced and prioritised.
One commendable initiative by The Church of Pentecost in mentoring a generation ready to transform society is the introduction of intergenerational services. This intentional initiative allows children to become part of the larger church community. It creates opportunities for children not only to socialise with their peers but also to interact meaningfully with adults. These interactions allow adults to positively influence children and build lasting relationships with them.
Another impactful initiative is the “Time With Our Fathers” programme, where the Presiding Elder and his team visit the Children’s Ministry. This provides a valuable opportunity for elders to mentor the boy child, instilling values and ethics through guidance and support. The boy child needs direction, and mentorship is key.
PEMEM’s Service with Children is another laudable effort to empower boys in the church. The ministry should be more intentional about this initiative and develop actionable strategies that address the real needs of the boy child.
The Faithful Giants, the youth wing of the Men’s Ministry, also offer a powerful avenue for mentorship. As a bold, resilient, and relatable group, they understand the challenges young boys face, having recently navigated adolescence themselves. They can share their experiences, offer guidance, and help boys avoid common pitfalls. These young mentors can serve as relatable role models, especially for boys who may be hesitant to seek guidance from older adults. Having a successful young person as a mentor can inspire boys to excel in their studies, career paths, and personal lives.
Many boys struggle during the transition from childhood to adolescence. Having a young, relatable mentor can significantly support their social and spiritual development.
The church must also take urgent steps to support the education of the boy child by offering scholarships and encouraging retention at all levels. Empowering both boys and girls to access and stay in school is essential for building a just and equitable society.
According to Rebekah Hargraves, in her work on raising godly boys, the church must “emphasise the balance of love, mercy, grace, and compassion with strength, truth, virtue, and courage.” We must be passionate about transforming how boys are raised in society. This is key to building strong families, addressing social challenges, improving economic outcomes, and raising firm leaders for national development.
Men must take the lead and show greater support by paying closer attention to the needs of the boy child.
Written By Elder Keith Eubulus Ackah (National Coordinator – Faithful Giants)
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