Addis Birhan Wendoch ('New Light Boys'): Working with boys and young men to create healthier futures

The Addis Birhan Wendoch program (Amharic for “New Light Boys”) helps out-of-school boys and young men navigate toward a healthier future by providing them with trained, compassionate mentors and safe environments in which they can find the support needed to share ideas and take positive actions. Through frank and open discussions, boys have the opportunity to get the facts on a range of essential topics from financial literacy to reproductive health issues, including HIV/AIDS and family planning. Mentors share strategies for building vital interpersonal skills, such as communication, self-esteem, and respect. Addis Birhan Wendoch participants also reflect on serious social concerns that are widely prevalent yet rarely discussed in a meaningful way, including violence and substance abuse. Boys report changed behavior and attitudes after participating in Addis Birhan Wendoch—and their mentors agree with these optimistic assessments.