At the Juvenile Training Centre (JTC) on Thursday, 130 children in conflict with the law received more than just sanitary packs and toiletries. They received a message that their mistakes do not define them.
The charity run and marathon hosted by Her Majesty Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso, alongside the Ministry of Social Development, UNICEF, and World Vision, marked International Boy Child Day under the theme “Flourish and Thrive: Investing in Boys for Stronger Families and Communities.”
For the children at JTC, the visitors brought practical gifts and, more importantly, a reminder that change can begin today.
One boy, whose name is withheld to protect his identity, spoke from the heart, saying the boys in the institution need to be groomed and nurtured not only by their families but also by the community. He said a boy’s duty is to protect and provide, challenging his fellow children to think of their future the moment they walk out.
“It is not right for men to depend on women when they can work hard to provide,” he said, urging them to build the kind of character that earns trust.
A girl at the facility echoed the same spirit, saying boys have a responsibility to protect women and their country. She urged everyone to ensure women and children are safe. Speaking about education with conviction, she said, “Opportunity knocks but once,” stressing that learning is the doorway to a better life.
Health Inspector Mpho Mohasoa taught the children about daily discipline and personal responsibility, explaining that maintaining hygiene and living healthily gives confidence to interact with others and live without fear or shame.
“Cleanliness will give you confidence,” she told them, encouraging them to see self-care as part of growing into better people.
Director of Child Protection Services at the Ministry of Social Development, Mookho Motheo Lekhanya, explained why gifts were delivered to both boys and girls. She said it was meant to let every child know they are valued and important.
She reminded them that being in conflict with the law does not mean an end to their lives. Their second chances still exist, and those chances can shape the rest of their dreams. She encouraged them to look inward, introspect, and fix where they have faltered because even when the institution closes, life continues.
Head of JTC Senior Superintendent Lerato Mofolo told the children that with these gifts, people still love and remember them, and that they should leave as transformed people. She reminded them that men are meant to lead, support, and protect, drawing strength from biblical scripture that points to leadership and protection expected from male figures.
Of the 130 children in the facility, sanitary pads and cosmetics were handed out to the girls. All recipients expressed their excitement and appreciation during the ceremony.
Observed annually since 2018, International Boy Child Day carries a simple promise: visible boys can flourish when people choose to invest in them, guide them, and remind them that tomorrow can be built with care.
Summary
- One boy, whose name is withheld to protect his identity, spoke from the heart, saying the boys in the institution need to be groomed and nurtured not only by their families but also by the community.
- He said a boy’s duty is to protect and provide, challenging his fellow children to think of their future the moment they walk out.
- “It is not right for men to depend on women when they can work hard to provide,” he said, urging them to build the kind of character that earns trust.
Thoboloko Ntšonyane is a dedicated journalist who has contributed to various publications. He focuses on parliament, climate change, human rights, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), health, business and court reports. His work inspires change, triggers dialogue and also promote transparency in a society.
