Careers and Counselling Centre Empowers Male Student Leaders to Address Life Challenges
University of Botswana (UB) Careers and Counselling Centre Acting Director, Dr Gaorekwe Labane, has said the counselling centre has taken a proactive step towards empowering male student leaders through a thought provoking seminar aimed at addressing the diverse life challenges facing young men today.
Dr Labane made remarks during a Careers and Counselling Centre boys focused seminar themed: “Growing with purpose: Empowering boys to overcome challenges,” at Block 139 on the 7th November 2025. She said initiative sought to create a safe and engaging platform for introspection, dialogue and idea sharing enabling participants to reflect on personal experiences and develop practical solutions to issues affecting boy’s growth, character and overall wellbeing.
She further highlighted that in a rapidly changing world, young men faced unique challenges such as social, emotional, educational and even spiritual. Dr Labane added that the platform offered a safe space to acknowledge the challenges, celebrate boys' strengths and commit to nurturing their growth into responsible, confident and compassionate men.
She further stated that as student leaders, they were already walking a path of influence and role model, decision-makers as well as voice for their peers. She said they faced complex challenges filled with pressures, expectations even silence around struggles they endured. Dr Labane noted the students would be empowered with knowledge, courage to face challenges, to ask for help, lead with empathy and to grow with purpose. She reckoned that the aim was to equip students with tools to rise above adversity, build character and become leaders who uplifted others.
Men and Boys for Gender Equality representative, Mr Desmond Lunga, advised the students to show true strength and maturity by respecting girls or partners as equals. He encouraged young male student leaders to respect girl’s choices, to manage anger and emotions. Young males, he reckoned, should be role models by breaking the cycle of violence through solving problems with calmness and respect.
Meanwhile, UB Department of Social Work Lecturer, Dr Kgomotso Jongman, said challenges such as academic pressure, financial stress, social changes and uncertainty about the future were among factors that affected students mental health if not properly supported. He said good mental health contributed towards student’s well-being, academic success and personal growth.