By Lou Billett | Chairperson
Earlier this year one of the mothers at African Angels, and a friend, was murdered in a domestic violence incident, that rocked me, and still does. I have had, and have, a lucky life, one full of opportunity, kindness, and love. Yet I live in one of the most violent countries in the world where 62% of kids grow up with absent fathers, and 8 women are murdered every day.
I'll just let that sink in for a bit.
8 women. A day.
I also founded a school where many of the children live in an environment seeing violence, abuse, dysfunction and going without (insert food, services, a toilet of any kind, sometimes love and kindness) every single day. My friend's death made me think - what are we doing with our boys? Is education enough? How do they learn to be better men?
Last night, in the community hall, we launched Siyanqoba (see-a-n-click-orba) that means 'we are victorious'. In collaboration with The Character Company,men in our community who are positive male role models will implement The Character Company's curriculum and meet with our boys every week, helping them to grow into men who live the five honorable values - courage, kindness, self-discipline, honesty and respect.
Not one of these men are paid to be a mentor. They are involved because they want our boys to grow up to be better men. My work is to see our mentors up skilled, developed and supported so they can continue investing into our boys.
I am privileged to have such fine men in our community who will join me on this journey of growing better men. We are taking baby steps, supported by The Character Company team. It won't bring my friend back, but maybe some time in the future, we will have more men who live the five values, than those who don't.
Your support of an Angel at African Angels supports SIyanqoba, as all the children will benefit, and ultimatley so will their community.
Thank you for investing in the future of our boys, and girls.
Lou
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