As the world marked International Boy Child Day on 16 May 2025, the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in South Africa issued a heartfelt plea to families, educators, and communities to take seriously the growing crisis of school dropout among boys.

In a recent statement, Deputy Minister Nokuzola Capa highlighted that over 129 million boys worldwide are out of school—a figure that speaks volumes about systemic neglect, poverty, and the social pressures affecting young boys across the globe. The numbers are staggering, but behind every statistic is a young life at risk of falling through the cracks.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, it is estimated that nearly 98 million school-aged children and youth are not attending school. While girls are still disproportionately affected in many regions, millions of boys, especially from rural and economically challenged areas, are also being left behind. The reality is that gender-based dropout is a two-way street—both girls and boys need targeted support.

South Africa, while having made strides in increasing access to education, is not exempt from this crisis. According to Statistics South Africa, between 650,000 and 750,000 school-aged children were out of school in 2021, with dropout rates rising sharply after the age of 15. For example, nearly 30% of 18-year-olds and 46% of 19-year-olds are no longer attending school.

Although gender-specific dropout data is limited, evidence points to boys leaving school earlier, often due to factors such as a lack of interest, family responsibilities, poverty, peer pressure, or substance abuse.

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In the North West Province, early warning signs are evident. A recent Stats SA report revealed that the province experienced the highest decline (14 percentage points) in Early Childhood Development (ECD) attendance in 2021. This early disengagement from education can have a lasting impact, especially on boys who are statistically more likely to drop out by high school.

Community voices echo this concern. “We see many young boys in our communities becoming disengaged, especially when they feel school has nothing to offer them. They need role models, mentorship, and support structures,” says Kefilwe Mofokeng, a teacher in Taung.

The Department’s call is clear: it’s time to reframe how we view the boy child—not as a future problem, but as a present priority.

The Department is encouraging schools and parents to recognize early signs of vulnerability in boys, provide mental health support, and offer career guidance before learners become statistics. Boys, just like girls, need nurturing environments, safe school spaces, and targeted interventions that keep them motivated and inspired to succeed.

Deputy Minister Capa stressed that “building a non-violent society starts with helping boys understand their identity, embrace positive masculinity, and make healthy decisions. We cannot wait until they are adults—by then, it may be too late.”

In communities like Vryburg, Huhudi, and Ganyesa, where youth unemployment and poverty are persistent challenges, local leaders are encouraged to:

Establish community mentorship programmes

Support after-school activities that keep boys engaged

Involve fathers and male role models in education

Collaborate with NGOs and government to address the dropout crisis

As South Africans, we have the opportunity—and responsibility—to change the trajectory for the boy child. Education is not just a right; it is a lifeline. And no child should be left behind.

Let International Boy Child Day 2025 be a turning point, not just a symbolic gesture. Let it be the start of real, measurable action—because boys matter too.

-The VIP Team

-UNESCO

-Dept of women, youth, and people with disabilities

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