Boy Child Day

Here is the speech I gave at Oyewole Senior Secondary School to celebrate the International Day of the Boy Child

When we describe things, our words are based on our expectations of the person, thing or situation.

Our expression is extremely valid regardless of how lukewarm or how extreme because it speaks of our person opinion on the matter being discussed.

Understanding that others have equal right to have an opinion equally based on the expectations, and the right to express same is the best way to explain freedom of expression.

Freedom to express does not ride on age, gender, faith on any either biases. It is crucial for growth as it allows analysis to give consideration to everyone's opinion.

But the downside inherent is enabling such freedom is that a person's perception could be based on their life experience, life choices (positive or negative). We cannot because we disagree negate their perspective or opinion.

How then do we educate a person against vices when the individual has already justified the vice based on his or her reality.

The MENITOS approach is to help the person accept the outcome of accepting their perspective and relating it to expected outcomes.

Every program for us is an opportunity to help individuals link where they currently stand with where they desire to be. In doing this, they have to be realistic about where their positions and responses to current situations can lead.

Taking decisive actions to influence the outcome of perceived situations goes a long way empowering individuals and our goal is to ensure that everyone goes through this phase each time they get to a crossroad mentally, emotionally and physically. That way, we make more conscious decisions. We reflect on the outcomes of action or inaction and make a conscious decision to pick a side

In our culture, the male child has a lot of assumed responsibility from the moment he is conceived.

Expectations abound from parents and extended families. The expectations do not regard the character or personality and from the moment the child is born, he is pressured to align with this expectations.

It is then essential for boys to get to a point when they can actually separate their desires from the expectations placed on them just because of their gender.

The difficulties faced by some is not because they are untalented but how does a boy interested in fashion find his way round automobile repairs or construction. His shortcoming is not because he is not good but because he has been placed in a wrong environment to thrive.

A fresh water fish cannot thrive in a salt water region. No matter the effort the fish puts into surviving, the chances of survival are almost non existent.

As a boy, at this phase of your life, it is essential to be true to yourself and identify your truth with regards to your growth. You need to start being more decisive and actionable in your network, play and studies.

If this aligns with your family expectations, then congratulations.

If not, then you are going to need to imagine your future and be ready to expend energy breaking mental barriers and limitations you grew up with to bridge your today and your vision of success.

Thank you

MS Daramola Toluwalope O

Founder, Menitos Charity Foundation

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