Children from isolated areas board in tough, spartan hostels with minimal parental or adult guidance. Together they piloted a participatory methodology through which all stakeholders, from the state to the children, would analyse child socialisation and establish dialogue. Girls seek out wealthy older men for self-esteem, leading to exploitation, single motherhood, increased HIV, and school dropouts. Girls exploit the system for material gratification but are punished by boys who cannot compete. Male irresponsibility is considered admirable - measured in the number of lovers had and children sired.
Personal wealth makes up for loss of male dignity at the expense of family welfare.
Schools and communities prepare girls for single motherhood rather than promote understanding and responsibility amongst boys and men. The Total Child project has encouraged communities to understand the systemic nature of racism, sexism and adultism. Having recognised assimilated attitudes, stereotypes and values, and identified the underpinnings and effects of discrimination on all sides, men, women, boys, and girls of all ages are together seeking to identify the capacity and responsibility of everyone to act against injustice. The MBEC is assessing the impact of the pilot with the intention of rolling out its methodology into the education system. The Ministries of Women s Affairs and Child Welfare are integrating Total Child methodology into national early childhood development programmes.