By Ola Kay
As the world commemorated the 2024 World Boy Child Day on May 16, the leadership of the World Institute for Peace, WIP, (a civil society group) has advocated a renewed focus on the qualities expected of the boy child in the society.
In a release issued on Thursday by the Executive Director of the group, Lamina Omotoyosi ( a copy of which was obtained by The Pinnacle Times), WIP stated that “As an organization dedicated to promoting peace and community development, we believe that instilling positive values in young boys is crucial for building a peaceful and prosperous future.”
The body noted that, in recent past,there has been a growing awareness of the challenges faced by boys and young men in the society, ranging from issues of mental health, emotional well-being to concerns about violence and aggression.
As part of the way forward, WIP stated that, “it is clear that there is a need for a more holistic approach to raising and educating boys.”
The Executive Director of World Institute for Peace, Lamina Omotoyosi, therefore underscored the need to move beyond traditional stereotypes and expectations and instead focus more on nurturing qualities that will help the boy child become responsible, compassionate, and respectful individual for peace and harmony to reign supreme both at family level and the larger society world over.
“One of the key qualities that the World Institute for Peace believes should be emphasized in boys is empathy.
“Teaching the boys to understand and care for the feelings of others is essential for fostering positive relationships and promoting a culture of peace.
“By encouraging boys to develop empathy, we can help them become more compassionate and understanding individuals who are able to contribute positively to their communities,” stressed the executive director.
In addition to empathy, Omotoyosi highlighted the importance of teaching boys resilience and emotional intelligence. He said: “Boys should be encouraged to express their emotions in healthy ways and to develop the skills needed to cope with challenges and setbacks.
“By equipping boys with these qualities, we can help them navigate the complexities of life with grace and dignity.”
The group also expressed the belief that boys should be encouraged to embrace diversity and respect differences, according to it, “in a world that is increasingly interconnected, it is essential for boys to learn to appreciate and celebrate the unique perspectives and experiences of others. By fostering a sense of inclusivity and acceptance, we can help boys become global citizens who are committed to promoting peace and understanding.”
WIP challenged the government at different levels, th family units, the school system and the society at large to, for the sake of the future empower the boy child to realize his dreams and aspirations, adding that, “As we look towards the future, our organization is committed to working towards a world where boys are empowered to reach their full potential and contribute positively to the society.”
WIP observed that emphasizing qualities such as empathy, resilience, and respect for diversity, the society can help boys to become the leaders and peacemakers of tomorrow.
The International Day of the Boy Child is celebrated every 16th of May, in identifying with the challenges faced by the boys world over. It was founded in 2018 by Dr. Jerome Teelucksingh, a university lecturer from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
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