Editorial

We need to care more about our fellow humans

29 December 2019 - 00:00 By SUNDAY TIMES

For a ritual that is meant to signal a rebirth that moves a boy into manhood, initiation schools have a galling record of death and disfigurement. The annual killing season is upon us again. Scores of young men are losing their lives, or their penises. Hundreds of others are being admitted to hospital to be treated for septicaemia, dehydration or assault, among others. Mothers and fathers looking forward to welcoming their sons back as men instead have the bitter, heart-breaking burden of burying their children. Most of these deaths are preventable, and the illegal or badly run initiation schools are a national crisis...

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