Celebrating International Day of the Boy Child – Abakaliki
On 9th May, 2026, the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation Ebonyi State Chapter, successfully hosted its International Boys Day outreach at Zenith International School, Amike Aba, Abakaliki. The programme was designed to celebrate and empower young boys through targeted talks, interactive games, creative expressions, and practical life-skill reinforcement. The event was anchored by Mrs Rosemary Idika, our Ebonyi State Programs Manager.
Seventy-two (72) enthusiastic boys participated fully in the day’s activities. The event featured three impactful sessions:
Habit Formation Talk – Delivered by Mrs Chika Collins
Attitude and Character Talk – Delivered by Mrs Rosemary Idika
Role Model Talk – Delivered by Barrister Ike Anthony
Mrs Ejum Stella Maris served as the MC/Moderator, ensuring a smooth and engaging flow throughout the programme.
Interactive Activities and Competitions
To reinforce the lessons learnt, the boys engaged in both indoor and outdoor games:
Indoor games: Ludo and Whot (won by Team B)
Outdoor game: Football (won by Team A)
A lively debate was also held on the topic “Talent is more important than Habits.” The debate was highly interactive, thought-provoking, and exciting, allowing the boys to apply critical thinking and public-speaking skills.
Awards, Gifts and Hygiene Reinforcement
Gifts were presented to outstanding participants in the following categories:
Most Punctual Boy
Best Debaters (2 boys)
Indoor Games Winners
Penalty Shoot-out Scorers
All awardees received exercise books. In addition, CALMHAF Ambassador Isioma Idika presented a special painting to the Role Model Speaker, Barrister Ike Anthony, and four additional paintings to selected winners as tokens of appreciation.
To drive home the importance of personal hygiene, a full carton of detergent was distributed to all participating pupils. Refreshments and bottled water were provided for all boys.
Closing and Key Resolution
The programme ended with a heartfelt vote of thanks delivered by two pupils of the school.
A major outcome of the outreach was the unanimous resolution by the boys, teachers, and facilitators to establish a Boys Club at the school. Plans are already underway to hold monthly sessions focusing on discipline, career guidance, life skills, mental health awareness, and personal development.
Benefits of the Boys Outreach Programme
To the Boys
Developed positive habits, attitudes, and character traits essential for lifelong success.
Gained inspiration from a credible male role model.
Improved critical thinking, teamwork, and public-speaking skills through debate and games.
Received practical hygiene education and materials.
Built self-esteem through recognition and creative expression (paintings and awards).
To Parents
Boys return home with reinforced values of discipline, respect, and personal responsibility.
Reduced future behavioural concerns through early mental-health and character intervention.
Stronger parent-child relationships as boys learn to communicate and express themselves positively.
To Society
Nurturing responsible, emotionally intelligent young men who will become future leaders, fathers, and community builders.
Promoting mental health awareness at the foundational level, thereby reducing the long-term burden of social vices, substance abuse, and youth restiveness.
Strengthening community-school partnerships for sustainable character development.
Why CALMHAF is Building Society Through These Outreaches
At the core of our mission is the belief that a mentally healthy and value-driven child today produces a stable, productive, and peaceful society tomorrow. By focusing on boys at this formative age (Basic 3–5), we are intentionally investing in the emotional intelligence, discipline, and leadership capacity of the next generation of men. These outreaches address the root causes of many societal challenges—poor habits, negative attitudes, lack of role models, and inadequate life skills—before they become entrenched.
We are not merely organising events; we are systematically constructing a safer, more responsible, and mentally resilient society one child at a time.
The formation of the Boys Club and the planned monthly sessions represent a sustainable model that can be replicated across other schools in Ebonyi State and beyond.
If things are getting out of hand, please call us on +234 814 831 8965 or send us an Email at: info@copeandlive.foundation for tailored guidance.