By Peterside Rejoice Eneky
In a bold move to address rising societal issues linked to the neglect of the boy child, the Yargote Foundation for Children, Youth and Women Development has redirected its focus from women empowerment to educating and mentoring boys in underserved communities.
Speaking exclusively to Premier News, the Executive Director and Founder, Ms. Anna, explained that the shift began in 2023 after years of working with women on issues such as abuse, financial hardship, and gender-based violence. “We realized we were only reacting to problems that could be prevented. So, we went back to the drawing board and asked: what if we raised boys to become better men?”
The Foundation, which has operated since 2017, now focuses on boys aged 10 to 19, with programs designed to teach soft skills, leadership, discipline, and values. These include mentorship sessions, character-building workshops, and remedial education.
In commemoration of the International Day of the Boy Child, the Foundation held a community-wide road walk to create awareness and start conversations about the unique challenges facing boys in society.
“Many people didn’t even know such a day exists. It’s time to talk about the emotional neglect, pressure, and lack of guidance boys face,” Anna said.
She stressed that while girls are often guided, protected, and mentored to become ideal wives and mothers, boys are typically left to figure things out on their own. “This creates a gap. When an emotionally prepared girl meets an unprepared boy in marriage, it leads to conflict, abuse, and eventually societal decay.”
Pilot Project and Measurable Impact
In July 2023, the Foundation launched its first pilot program in Kabusa community, Abuja. The cohort included 25 boys, who received training over several months. The program concluded with a summit in November 2023 where parents gave testimonies about noticeable improvements in their children’s behavior, confidence, and attitudes.
“One of our proudest achievements was helping a boy named Umar, a JSS1 student who couldn’t read at all. We got him a tutor, and by the end of the project, not only could he read, but six other boys joined the literacy class. It was a major milestone for us,” said Anna.
Buoyed by the success, the Foundation has expanded its 2024 program to three communities Kabusa, Bwari, and Kuje with 100 boys in each location.
Anna highlighted that the project is more than just educational. It’s a preventive strategy to reduce crime, drug abuse, and gender-based violence.
“There’s a direct link between the boy child’s upbringing and the challenges society faces today kidnapping, cybercrime, substance abuse. These young boys want to make quick money, and without mentorship, they become easy recruits for criminal activities.”
She noted a recent case where a retired police officer threatened to join Boko Haram over unpaid pension. “That shows how bad things have gotten. If we don’t tackle these issues early, we are heading toward a future crisis.”
According to the Foundation, digital exposure is a growing concern. Children today have access to smartphones, the internet, and unregulated content that shapes their values and behavior.
Anna warned parents against prioritizing material provision over meaningful engagement. “Buying the latest phone doesn’t make you a responsible parent. Be present. Monitor what they watch. These children are being programmed by the content they consume and most of it isn’t good.”
She cited a recent incident involving underage girls at a pool party, dressed inappropriately and emulating what they see online. “Some of the content children are exposed to today, even parents wouldn’t have the courage to watch.”
Despite its success, the Yargote Foundation struggles with funding. Most of its work has been self-financed by Anna and supported by a handful of donors.
“We’re calling on state governments, individuals, and private organizations to support this homegrown solution. It costs far less to train a boy than to pay ransom to kidnappers or deal with lifelong trauma caused by abuse,” she said.
The Foundation’s ultimate goal is to raise boys who can become peer mentors, changing the narrative in their communities and helping others grow. “The final beneficiary of this work is the woman. A well-raised man will treat his partner right. We’re building that future.”
Anna urged parents to pay more attention to their children, especially boys. “Listen to them. Spend time with them. Know who their friends are and what they’re watching. If you don’t, the streets and the internet will fill that role.”
She also called on schools to take their role seriously and criticized the growing trend of “miracle centers” where students are passed without merit. “We need value-based education again. Teachers must become mentors, not just academic instructors.”
For government and policy makers, her message was clear: “Be intentional. Embed soft skills and mentorship into school curriculums. Support grassroots organizations. The solution isn’t in high-level summits alone. It’s in reaching boys, one community at a time.”
As the Yargote Foundation prepares for its new round of interventions, the message is simple: Empowering the boy child is not a competition with the girl child. It’s a necessary step to rebuild a balanced, safer, and more equitable society.
“One boy at a time, we can prevent a crisis,” said Ms. Anna.
About Author
