Chief George Ng'ang'a: A man on a mission to save boys from sexual abuse
Assistant Chief George Ng'ang'a dancing during the International Day of the Boy Child celebration at Nyayo Gardens on May 16, 2024.
Langalanga Assistant Chief George Ng'ang'a is a man on a mission, determined to uplift and empower young boys in informal settlements.
He has embraced an unconventional approach, learning their language through dance, in his quest to inspire change.
Chief Ng'ang'a is not just a leader by title but a mentor in action. He dedicates his time to visiting primary and high schools and educating boys on preventing gender-based violence and crime. His efforts focus on an often-overlooked issue: sexual abuse against boys.
Assistant Chief George Ng'ang'a during the International Day of the Boy Child celebration at Nyayo Gardens on May 16,2024.
"Statistics show that about 1 in 6 boys face some form of sexual abuse before reaching adulthood. Unfortunately, this number likely underrepresents the reality due to stigma, shame, and societal disbelief," he explains.
At fifty years old, Chief Ng'ang'a is acutely aware of the knowledge gap among boys in informal settlements. Many are unaware of how to identify, prevent, and report sexual abuse.
He stresses that the long-term effects of such abuse are severe, leading to psychological and emotional issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships.
Chief Ng'ang'a also highlights a critical issue about the absence of father figures in many boys' lives which he believes is crucial to show boys that they are valued and loved.
He criticizes parents who neglect their sons after traditional rites of passage, assuming their responsibilities end once the boys are deemed adults.
"Parents often fail to continue guiding their sons post-rite of passage, unlike the consistent guidance provided to daughters. This needs to change," he asserts.
Undeterred, Chief Ng'ang'a remains steadfast in his commitment to empowering young men in informal settlements, leading by example and advocating for their continued support and education.
Procession of the International Day of the Boy Child celebration in Nakuru city held on May 16, 2024.
Chief Ng'ang'a also took part in encouraging the young men during the International Day of the Boy Child celebration at Nyayo Gardens.
He entertained the crowd by removing his hat and breaking a leg by taking part in a dance with some of the students in the event.
This year's event was themed "Focus On Boys Health and Wellbeing".