For a long time, society has focused on empowering the girl child. Kairos Boy Child Initiative Africa is here to reverse this as they noticed that boys and men received neglect for long enough. This non-profit organization chooses to empower boys and men with the essential tools and resources needed. Additionally, the organization advocates for the male gender, which has faced marginalization and neglect for an extended period. The word “Kairos” originates from Hebrew, signifying the appointed time of the Lord.
1. What is Kairos Boy Child Initiative Africa?
Kairos Boy Child Initiative Africa is a non-profit organization that aims to empower boy children with the necessary skills, tools, and resources. These are to enhance their quality of life in today’s rapidly shifting society, where the world has ignored them. It also advocates for the male gender, which has been beyond the margin for a long time.
2. When was it founded?
Kairos Boy Child Initiative Africa was founded in February 2023.
3. Why was it founded?
The organization was founded out of a concern for uplifting the status of the boy child, who had been ignored and sidelined for too long. Their motivation comes from the need to help boys and men become responsible members of society, addressing the decline in morality issues.
4. What type of organization is Kairos Boy Child Initiative Africa?
Kairos Boy Child Initiative Africa is a Non-profit Organization with a mission to transform the lives of boys and men, providing guidance, support, and empowerment.
5. What is its source of funding?
The organization currently relies on funds mobilized by its founders, Mr. David Otale and Mr. Emmanuel Eyou.
6. Founders of Kairos Boy Child Initiative Africa
- Mr. David Otale (Founder): David, from the hilly parts of Serere District in Eastern Uganda, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and social sciences from Kyambogo University. He currently runs a business in Kampala. His interest in founding the organization stemmed from his values of dignity for the human race.
- Mr. Emmanuel Eyou (Co-founder): Emmanuel is from the Eastern part of Uganda, Amuria District. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and social sciences from Kyambogo University and works with the Tororo CDC UG-517 compassion-assisted project. He is passionate about generational change and the empowerment of men.
7. What was the inspiration that led to this organization?
The organization’s founders aim for a balanced social context where both girls and boys are trained, valued, and empowered. They aimed to see responsible men who respect and support their families and communities. They noticed that boys lacked hope for the future and wanted to change the focus from the girl child alone to empower both groups of people.
David Otale passionately articulated their vision, stating, “We had a strong desire to see societies evolve into a balanced social context. It’s crucial that both girls and boys receive training, value, and empowerment. It wouldn’t be beneficial to solely empower girls, only to see them married to untrained men who may eventually mistreat and disrespect them. Our fervent desire was to witness men rise and embrace their roles in their respective communities as responsible individuals who love and support their families, while also showing respect for their wives and all women.”
“Through intentional interactions and spending time with boys in our villages and various settings, it became evident that many boys today live without hope for the future. Traditionally, attention has been disproportionately bent on the girl child’s general well-being, often at the expense of the boy child. It’s essential to emphasize that our advocacy is not against feminist ideals. Instead, we are advocating for a balanced social context, one that equally recognizes and empowers both boys and girls. Our message is clear: let’s empower the child, not genders.” David added.
8. What is the purpose of the organization?
Kairos Boy Child Initiative Africa aims to:
- Create awareness for the male gender.
- Advocate for the boy child’s participation in society.
- Provide psychosocial support, values, and morals.
- Empower the boy child holistically.
- Offer skills, attitudes, and information through seminars and mentorship.
- Ensure the boy child stands as a man in society.
- Advocate for fair judgment and hearing.
9. Target group
Kairos Boy Child Initiative Africa primarily targets boys but also extends its reach to men, both young and old.
10. Sponsors and partners of Kairos Boy Child Initiative Africa
The organization currently operates without sponsors and relies on funds raised by its members.
11. Future Vision (Next 5 Years)
Additionally, Kairos Boy Child Initiative Africa envisions impacting and transforming the lives of thousands of boys. They hope to grow to over 4,000 members and receive support from various agencies to further their mission. “We envision a time when all men will be reached, trained, and impacted to become responsible citizens and members of the community. Men who will value family, love, and care for their homes.” the leaders emphasized.
12. Which places does the NGO operate in?
While focusing on rural areas, Kairos Boy Child Initiative Africa reaches out to boys in rural schools, churches, and social gatherings. They also plan to cover urban areas while prioritizing rural regions.
13. What exactly do you do for the boys?
According to Eyou Emmanuel, “The organization educates boys and men on relevant topics and provides charity donations of basic needs to their families.”
14. How far has Kairos Boy Child Initiative Africa come?
Kairos Boy Child Initiative Africa has achieved several milestones, including full registration with URSB, board meetings, and planned outreach events. The organization runs quite a number of activities that allow them to touch base with the lives of these boys.
15. What happens when the Kairos Boy Child Initiative is done with a child?
The organization only releases a child when they believe their goal has come through mentorship and education. Mr. Otale told Kampala ET, “We release them as fully trained and well-equipped men who appreciate their role as gentlemen and leaders in their communities.”
16. How can one join as a child?
The organization does not have a sponsorship program but invites boys to participate in mentorship programs, often in collaboration with schools. “As we plan the sponsorship program from next year,” says Mr Otale, “we are already overwhelmed by the heavy needs of the boy child. Boys who are the most needy of them all are the ones we are likely to choose.”
17. How can one join as an employee/volunteer?
Kairos Boy Child Initiative Africa welcomes volunteers who are passionate about changing the lives of boys and men in society and acting as mentors.
