That question kept coming to mind each time we were in Malawi, Africa working with the women and girls there, teaching sewing and business skills and offering basic health information. We then realized that this health and relationship training needs to be offered to the boys as well. It could lead to better, and safer, social interactions between the teenage boys and girls there. Our offer to pro
vide a program to the boys received enthusiastic approval from the Malawi District Education Committee. Classes are led by Pastor Joseph Wyson, meet in 4 hour sessions twice a month for 6 months and are limited to 30 boys in each class to encourage discussion and questions in a relaxed setting. Each boy receives their own full size Bible written in Chichewa. We pray this will become a guide for their life. Providing lunch is a priority because for some it may be their only meal that day. A quick game of soccer during break helps them bond as a group. As the end of the 6 months nears each boy will receive their own Boy Champion cap to unify them and be a reminder of what they have learned. So what will they learn? Pastor Wyson opens each class with Prayer, Devotion and a Bible lesson encouraging spiritual growth. Lesson topics include respectful social interaction, puberty in boys and girls, standing strong against peer pressure and gang activity, being a positive role model, consequences of intoxication. Violence and r**e will be a recurring, essential subject. We want the boys to think about these things and how it affects their life and the life of the girl that may suffer an attack. Discussion and questions are very much encouraged. The classes are closed in Prayer and Scripture reading. Thank you for considering our Boy Champions program as we work together to provide positive experiences for the youth of Malawi.
