On 15th May 2026, the Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation successfully hosted an impactful celebration of the International Day of the Boy Child at Grace Ambassadors International School, Thinkers Corner, Enugu. The programme, led by the Enugu State Program Manager, Dr. Mrs. Chinelo Igbelina, engaged 80 boys from JSS1 to SS3 through educative talks, interactive play therapy, and counseling sessions aimed at building emotional intelligence, responsible masculinity, and positive life skills.

Objectives

To promote mental health awareness and emotional intelligence among boys.
To educate students on digital responsibility, positive masculinity, and leadership.
To provide practical platforms for emotional expression and team building.
To inspire boys to develop healthy habits and seek help when needed.

Programme Highlights

The event commenced with an opening prayer by the Head Boy, Master Igbelina Samuel, followed by a warm welcome address by the Proprietress of the school,Mrs. Fisho Adenike, who commended the Foundation’s initiative. We express our sincere appreciation to Mrs. Fisho Adenike for her exceptional hospitality, unwavering support, and genuine commitment to the holistic development of the boys.

Key Sessions Included:

Dr. Mrs. Chinelo Igbelina (Enugu State Program Manager) introduced the Foundation and passionately encouraged the students to become volunteers. She highlighted the importance of volunteering with Cope and Live Mental Health Awareness Foundation, noting that it offers young boys early opportunities to develop leadership skills while contributing meaningfully to society. She added that volunteering builds a strong sense of purpose, discipline, and accountability. The boys were also informed of the personal benefits, including accelerated personal growth, improved communication skills, access to mentorship, and the opportunity to become positive role models in their schools and communities.
Mrs. Uzoamaka Nwachukwu (Co-Founder) delivered a powerful and engaging session on Emotional Intelligence and Mental Health Awareness. She taught the boys how to understand, manage, and express their emotions effectively, while stressing the importance of speaking up and seeking help when needed. She also highlighted the dangers of lacking emotional intelligence, such as poor emotion regulation, uncontrolled anger, impulsive behaviour, difficulty forming healthy relationships, increased risk of anxiety, depression, and involvement in violent or risky actions.
Rev. Chukwudiebube Nwachukwu (Founder) delivered a highly relevant and timely session on Digital Footprint and Cyberbullying. He emphasised the permanent nature of online actions, the dangers of cyberbullying, and the need for responsible digital citizenship. This session is particularly important in today’s technology-driven world, where many young boys are exposed to harmful online content and peer pressure. It equipped the students with practical strategies to protect their reputation, mental health, and future opportunities by making wise choices online. He also left the boys with powerful reflections on Philippians 4:8 (“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things”), challenging them to shape their minds towards perfection and excellence in all areas of life.
Mr. Bernard Asadu (popularly known as “King of Boys”) delivered a dynamic and relatable session on Positive Masculinity, Leadership Skills, Self-Control, and Sex Education. He inspired the boys to embrace true manhood built on integrity, respect, and responsibility. He strongly emphasised the importance of abstinence — no sex before marriage — highlighting its benefits for mental focus, self-discipline, and future success. He equally charged the boys to prioritise their academics, avoid distractions, and channel their energy into excellence in their studies as the foundation for a purposeful and impactful life.

Recreational & Support Activities

We organized a vibrant Play Therapy Session with various games including Jenga, mini football, basketball, maze racing, chess, and more. This helped students discover their strengths, express emotions positively, build teamwork, and promote mental well-being.

One-on-one counseling sessions were also provided for students requiring emotional support.

Outcomes & Observations

The outreach had a visible positive impact, with many students expressing strong interest in volunteering and joining the Foundation as student ambassadors.
Participants left inspired, joyful, and better equipped for personal growth.

This programme represents a strategic investment in the boy child. By addressing mental health, emotional intelligence, and responsible masculinity early, we are raising a generation of emotionally intelligent, self-controlled, and purpose-driven young men who will become better leaders, fathers, and citizens.

Recommendations

Regular school outreaches and mentorship programmes like this should be sustained, while schools create more interactive platforms to support mental health awareness, positive masculinity, leadership development, emotional intelligence, and healthy social interactions among boys.

Volunteers: Judith, Ifeoma, Samuel, Victory

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.

Investing in Boys’ Mental Health & Leadership: International Boy’s Day at Enugu