Today, in celebration of the International Day for the Boy Child, 8 Scouts from the Gauteng Scout Region’s DSD initiative will be participating in the Gauteng Sector Parliament for Boys. Under the theme “Building Self-Esteem in Boys. Stand Up, Be Heard, Be Seen.”, the Sector Parliament will provide a platform for boys and government to have a conversation about working together to equip boys to become responsible citizens while advocating for a violence free society.

We spoke to 15-year-old 1st Thutolefa Scout Quinton, who will be discussing how Culture and Tradition can play a role in mitigating violence. “I am very excited to speak at the Sector Parliament.  I have never done anything like this before. It is a bit scary, but I have done my research and have read through the concepts that were shared with me. I am looking forward to expressing my views and discussing the topics. When we were given our topics to discuss I was happy with mine because I believe that culture and tradition is important to stop violence in our community. I think our culture and traditions give a person an identity, and can provide unity throughout the community”, says Quinton confidently. “Having the opportunity as a young person to speak up against violence with government is definitely important for us. I think that Government needs to get young people’s point of view so we can get a better South Africa.”

“I’ve been in Scouting for just over a year and I have learned to be confident and how to express my feelings along the activities we have done. I really enjoy hiking a lot as I like being outdoors. I also like practicing the knots. I have seen that being in Scouting is a benefit for me. My life is more full now. I used to go home and do nothing, now I know that I can attend Scouts before going home.”

So, after sitting in the chamber when practicing the discussions, is politics something for Quinton or does he have other dreams? “When I grow up, I want to be an Aerospace engineer! I believe that if I stay with Scouts my lifestyle will keep on improving.”

If you want to hear what Quinton and the panel of young boys have to say at the Sector Parliament, be sure to watch it live at 10am here: https://youtube.com/live/1bq9sbInIxU?feature=share