Why Boys Matter Too – Honoring International Day of the Boy Child

Today, May 16, marks International Day of the Boy Child – a day to reflect on the struggles, hopes, and future of boys across the globe. Established in 2018, this day shines a light on the often-overlooked emotional and developmental needs of boys.

📊 The Reality for Boys Today

• Globally, over 132 million boys are out of school, according to UNESCO (2024).
• In Nigeria, boys make up nearly 60% of children living on the streets, many lacking access to healthcare or education.
• Mental health among boys is a silent crisis. According to the WHO, boys aged 10–19 are less likely to seek help, leading to a higher rate of untreated depression and suicide in late adolescence.
• Gender bias in caregiving often assumes boys are ‘strong enough’ to handle issues alone — creating emotional gaps that affect their development.

🛠 How AYAF is Bridging the Gap

At the Abiodun and Yinka Atobatele Foundation (AYAF), we are committed to uplifting boys by:

✅ Providing Free Healthcare through the Bilikisu Iyabode Atobatele Memorial Health Center — serving vulnerable boys in underserved communities.
✅ Delivering Tech and Soft Skills Training — equipping boys with 21st-century tools to build their futures.
✅ Offering Mentorship and Emotional Support — creating safe spaces where boys are encouraged to speak, feel, and lead.

🧭 This Year’s Theme: “Stand Up. Be Heard. Be Seen.”

Let’s challenge harmful stereotypes. Let’s raise boys who are emotionally intelligent, responsible, and empowered. When we invest in our boys today, we invest in the strength and stability of our society tomorrow.

Join AYAF in celebrating the boy child.
Together, we can raise a generation of men who are not just strong — but supported.

🔗 Follow us @ayafnigeria | www.ayafnigeria.org
📢 #InternationalBoyChildDay #AYAFCares #BoysMatterToo #EmpowerTheBoyChild