On June 20th, 2025, Boys to MEN Foundation ran a Leadership and Life Skills programme for the male students at Debiruss College, Sangotedo.
Our programme for teenagers is appropriately titled “Becoming My Best Self” because it is focused on using fundamental life skills and leadership concepts to shape the teenage participants’ thinking and behaviour in a way that helps them to become their best selves.
During the programme, participants listed thirteen issues or challenges they faced. Each of these issues was addressed in detail, with contributions from the boys. They included concerns about success (and failure), stress, anxiety, anger, distraction, masturbation, grief and loss, peer pressure, heartbreak, among others. These discussions gave insights into the concerns in the minds of teenagers, and their ability to articulate and participate in discussions about them was encouraging and commendable.
A group activity allowed students to work together to demonstrate how leadership works in real life. Leaders are appointed or selected by others, or by themselves, or emerge by taking responsibility within contexts. In the execution of tasks, leaders are also necessary to guide and organise the process. Without leadership, there is confusion and chaos.
Participants were asked what topics they would like added to the programme, and they identified the following:
- Personal Well-being (hygiene and appearance)
- The Challenges of Puberty
- Developing Self-Value
It was evident that the boys understood the importance of the session and the need for support on their journey to manhood. As Boys to MEN Foundation always asserts:
